"The great art of life is sensation, feeling that we exist, even in pain."
-Shirley Jackson.
Glossary for this chapter:
Y/n: your name
E/C: eye color
N/A: not available
P.O.V: Point of View
___N/A P.O.V___
"The fierce deity, is made by the collective feelings of a community, strong feelings that can transcend even beyond death, however, it is a powerful transformation that knows no limitations such as the terms of good or evil, it is power in a pure state that can endanger whoever that has it"
While resting, y/n dreamed of the sheikah dance, the one that represented the goddesses and Hylia, but the dancers who danced in front of the ceremonial bonfire had no one else around.
The rest of the place was in complete darkness, there were only the four dancers who represented the goddesses and the spirits of light that used to protect Hyrule, that dance was one of the things that clung with nails to the memory of the sheikah.
He/She/They watched them dance, it was not a female or male dance, they moved like disembodied spirits in an invisible space, but very soon those dancers disappeared.
A humanoid being with white hair and eyes replaced their place, right where the dancer who represented Hylia was, they showed teeth full of fangs while letting out furious growls but the being did not touch a single hair of the bodyguard because they were being held from their extremities by four shiny and golden chains
A voice sounded, or at least it would be if those beings had a voice, it was more of a sensation, an instinct that could be translated into words inside y/n's head, the ends of the chains were not walls, floors or ceilings, their anchors were the spirits of light that once protected Hyrule during the twilight era.
"There was a disturbance in the order of things"
"It was you"
"We have witnessed what happened to the wise men"
"And what the fierce deity has done"
Y/n looked around, there was nothing, there was no one else, he/she/they tried to pinch the back of one hand and although he/she/they felt the pain immediately that didn't wake him/her/them up, Latoan, the spirit of the extinct region with the same name, had the aspect of the already non-existent goats of the town of Ordon, large horns came out of its head whose ends created a circular crown that had an orb of luminous energy.
"It's useless, you're not going to wake up so easily"
Listening inside his/her/their mind, y/n raised his/her/their head to find himself/herself/themself face to face with the mythical being.
"When mortals sleep, the borders of mortal souls expand to different planes" The spirit paused, not so long but long enough for the warrior to process what they said.
"Our original purpose was to prevent the Dark Interlopers from entering the realm of light, but the hero of those times subdued them long ago, and Princess Midna broke our only remaining link with the Twili... Our new task assigned by the priestess of that time was to watch over you"
The sheikah could not answer or comment on something, several images began to appear in his/her/their head, he/she/they could see himself/herself/themself in that battle in the gerudo canyon during the Naboris expedition.
He/She/They witnessed how he/she/they got up from a pool of blood during that accident in the desert. The Link of that era was on the ground full of wounds, about to receive the final blow by that Iron Knuckle, but he/she/they faced it on time and won.
Despite that, the hero of Hyrule looked stunned and scared before him/her/them.
It was that incident where the monarchy decided to cover the divine beasts with solid rock again, there were several equally dangerous enemies prowling, they preferred to finish the tower's restaurations and synchronize them with the ancient technology they found from that time even further away and then hide them with temerity.
Visions of various fights followed, the ceremony in front of the Great Deku Tree, expeditions to other lands...
"There are many things you don't remember but you led the hero of that time to a victorious campaign to prevent the monsters from regaining the power they had during the attack of Zant and Ganondorf Dragmire, but.... The fierce deity you possess, it is the feelings of all the companions you lost in battle, it is an uncontrollable rage that was on the verge of spiraling out of control."
Finally the spirits showed him/her/them what really happened, the day his/her/their father held him/her/them in his arms, when his/her/their whole world vanished.
Y/n and Link were fighting against a large army of stalfos, they all wore armor and fought with ancient weapons that were well sharpened, the hero and the sheikah exchanged a couple of dialogues before continuing the fight, the hylian soldiers were falling faster and faster, queen Zelda was fighting on another flank supported by a couple of sheikah warriors.
But everything was going from bad to worse, when the enemy threw themselves on them in a surprise attack, y/n summoned the fierce deity, but the fight did not end there, the sheikah was growling, showing the canines of his/her/their side teeth like the sharp fangs of a beast.
He/she/they slaughtered the enemy, killing them on the spot in the most twisted and quickest way he/she/they could, slowly the allies stopped fighting to watch with horror that scene.
When there was no enemy left he kept looking for more, he/she/they was covered in wounds, his/her/their broken weapon still held tightly in his/her/their hand whose bloody knuckles showed even muscle and bone that the skin was supposed to protect.
The sheikah did not even let those who tried to flee or called for truce to live.
Kitta approached y/n to try to take him/her/them by the shoulders, he was trembling, his face denoting how much he wanted to deny that it was his younger brother/sister/sibling who ended the fight with such a massacre -H-Hey, I-It's over.... -
Y/n shook violently to get out of his grip, he/she/they was going to stab him if it hadn't been for Link hugging him/her/them from behind trying to restrain him/her/them, the hero pulled the sheikah to the side but even so that deity stood up and ran trying to attack his/her/their own family, his/her/their friends.
Zelda wielded her rapier and placed herself in front of Professor Garren in order to protect him.
The screams, the desperation of the allies and the howls of a couple of wolves nearby deafened the metal of the sword that pierced y/n's chest, there was silence, it all happened so fast.
Even though it was all a vision, the sheikah witnessing everything felt his/her/their whole body tremble as if he/she/they had been stabbed again while witnessing everything from third person. The Link of that time who held the weapon looked at him/her/them in the eyes -Sorry.... But you could no longer control it, forgive me- his voice was broken, his face showed a heart full of pain but at the same time a kind of disappointment, as if he had already expected that result, the sheikah slowly returned to normal, with a surprised and hurt expression.
With a quick movement the hero separated the sword from his/her/their body. The y/n from that vision fell to the ground, tried to breathe, but only large gushes of blood came out. The sheikah ignored what followed between Link and the others, he/she/they only focused on his/her/their father, everyone was focused on either looking for help or yelling at the hero who had taken such a desperate measure.
Garren walked towards his son/daughter/child and bent down to him/her/them to lay his/her/their head on his lap, then after gathering enough strength the man lifted him/her/them up enough to hug the sheikah, he knew that this would be their last moment together a very short one as it was only a short time before y/n's body would go into shock from the loss of blood -Everything is dark.... Dad, I'm scared...-
His/Her/Their father gritted his teeth, grimaced with his lips trying not to cry while his slender fingers caressed the warrior's head -Dad is here.... I won't let the darkness reach you- he murmured to him/her/them.
So it happened, y/n's second death was announced, the first was in the desert, the second this one, now that they were facing a war he/she/they would probably die for the third time, a death from which, if it happened, he/she/they could not get rid of, he/she/they felt that deep in his/her/their heart.
Y/n looked at the scene with a broken heart but he/she/they had cried enough, his/her/their heart had emptied an ocean and at last, thanks to his/her/their friends the sheikah found solid ground where he/she/they could plant himself/herself/themself in front of the things he/she/they saw without collapsing as easily as before.
-Honorable spirits of light that once protected Hyrule, why are you showing me this just now? asked the Sheikah, he/she/they tried to keep his/her/their voice as calm as possible, he/she/they didn't know the intention of those beings but from his/her/their perspective it seemed a cruel move that tempted to break his/her/their heart.
The Eldin spirit approached him/her/them "We know you intend to summon the fierce deity again, but our power can no longer hold it, and if you decide to go ahead with your fight, you will probably call it in one of your moments of mortal weakness and the result could be worse than what happened centuries ago."
The sheikah gave a gasp as he/she/they felt a painful twinge in the back of his/her/their neck and chest, the quick image of a possible future where his/her/their new friends would have to stop him/her/them as Link of that time did made him/her/them shudder, hesitate, and filled his/her/their heart with fear.
For a few moments y/n wished he/she/they could ask them to be the ones to confront Ganon, but it was a foolish wish, as they said, the power of the spirits of the past was waning and yet.... The fierce deity could be a desperate last resort that he/she/they was willing to take regardless.
But that didn't entirely rule out y/n's hesitation for one last wish plus a terrible foreboding, now that he/she/they was basically in front of them, the sheikah would have to speak or he/she/they could never do it again.
-I sincerely appreciate that you have sacrificed so many centuries of your time to watch over the fierce deity, but, it was my responsibility to accept that deal, and it will be my responsibility to find out how I can return this power before it hurts someone else- commented the sheikah who turned her/his/their gaze to the spirits that slowly materialized in front of her/his/their person.
The scenery of the past crumbled to return them to that nothingness where the sacred beings held the fierce deity with their luminous chains.
Chains of malice, chains of light, they were still chains for y/n, who for a few moments felt empathy towards the fierce deity that kept growling like a wild animal in search of their freedom.
Faron, a spirit of light in the form of a monkey with a long tail took the word "There is one last request you wish to give, and it is not something in relation with the fierce deity, isn't it, mortal?" he asked.
Y/n nodded, he/she/they walked slowly towards the fierce deity -Astor is still out there, and he will find one way or another to get the divine beasts corrupted, after all, it was because of them that the kingdom could not regain its peace in the months I was in that other timeline, it was because of the death of the champions that the chance of getting close to Ganon was null, the hero chosen by the sword that seals darkness is a strong man, but we are a team, and everyone needs everyone, so that's why...-
The gazes of the fierce deity and the warrior crossed, the being made of the collective feelings of former comrades fallen in battle paused their grunts and jerky movements.
He/She/They knew what he/she/they had to do, if there was an opportunity to further protect his/her/their dear friends, he/she/they would do it.
Y/n bowed to the fierce deity to take them by the shoulders, he/she/they took a deep breath before reciting his/her/their request -I will take care of the fierce deity...So I beg you please, protect the champions, give them enough power to face the things that will try to corrupt the divine beasts- he/she/they said at the end.
Lanayru, a spirit in the form of a snake crawled towards him/her/them "You will have to perform the ritual one last time with the heirs of this era" he indicated.
"As we no longer belong to these new lands and eras, we must be invited through the ritual that evokes the past, the dance of the protection of the goddesses is the last vestige of ancient magic that could lead us to these new lands without depending on you."
-But-But, a ritual? We're so close to the princess's birthday, the calamity will arrive that day or probably come early, there must be a way I can help without having to risk our strategic advantage on something like that!-
The spirits didn't listen, soon everything blurred, the line between dream and reality was being erased, but Y/n was trying to call those divine beings anyway while the fierce deity was trying to break free and get back in contact with him/her/them.
-There must be something! I can't do just that! There must be.....
That dialogue inside her/his/their head remained, y/n stretched his/her/their hand forward as he/she/they slowly woke up and murmured in a barely audible way.
-Something...-
He/She/They had woken up and had his/her/their hand stretched out in front of him/her/them, it was all a very revealing dream, even though the sheikah could remember everything that happened that traumatic day the adrenaline kept him/her/them from feeling sad but instead felt confused, determined and scared.
His/Her/Their mind quickly processed where he/she/they was, he/she/they was sitting on a log and had fallen asleep lying next to Daruk who looked just as sleepy, however, upon hearing y/n's voice, the goron immediately turned his eyes towards him/her/them.
-Did you say something little brother/sister/sibling?- he asked attentively,y/n forced himself/herself/himself to shake his/her/their head repeatedly as he/she/they yawned -Nothing... It's just that, It really helped me to sleep- the warrior lied.
They were in front of the makeshift bonfire that the champions had made before they parted ways, there was no longer a fire and in its place was the ashes of what had once been firewood, probably at that point in the day Zelda had already reached the Spring of Power in Eldin, an area Urbosa knew well because many gerudo tended to harvest minerals to make weapons and jewelry that they sold to the rest of the kingdom.
It would soon be nightfall, the sky was a mix of reddish and dark blue and even a couple of stars could be glimpsed on the horizon.
Y/n looked from side to side, trying to overcome the anxiety that the "dream" or revelation had given him/her/them -W-Where's Revali?
-He left as soon as I finished writing the orders for my generals, as Mipha woke up a few moments ago she is writing the instructions for the soldiers that will protect Lanayru- explained the goron champion who stretched his hand to his side to take a large pouch that had the symbol of the goron tribe embroidered on it, he searched among his things and took out a reddish oval shaped rock inside a bag made of knotted ropes.
-The Yiga have been quiet, many have been arriving little by little, chief Nera is thinking of turning the castle into the final battlefield, the king agrees now that there are no more civilians around- after saying those words he placed the rock in y/n's hands -W-What is this?- asked the sheikah.
-Well, I think you must be hungry after having slept, and what the princess gave you is not exactly nutritious, so I am sharing with you a cut of rock, one of the most exquisite I could keep, now that we are alone I am sharing it with you, I don't want the others to feel jealous or think that the Great Daruk has his favorites- he explained
The warrior took out the piece of rock, it looked like a large piece of meat that could not fit between his/her/their two hands, still he/she/they brought the object closer to take the first bite, his/her/their reaction was a sigh of relief and delight that provoked a smile in the oldest one.
When he/she/they finished eating, Daruk stared at him/her/them -Little brother/sister/sibling...- he called him/her/them, when he got the sheikah's attention, the champion cleared his throat a little -I always wanted to know why did you choose me for your ceremony?-
Y/n wiped his/her/their mouth with the back of his/her/their hand, getting rid of the small traces of rock and curry on his/her/their lips -...You were the first one to believe in me- he/she/they answered -When I was still with the Yiga you never treated me as a threat and even made me part of your family-
The statement sounded honest and simple, the sheikah reflected how much she/he/they appreciated those gestures from the past, not knowing very well how to react besides wanting to hide his happiness, Daruk folded his big hands between them, looked away towards the horizon -You will always have a place in my family, I must confess that when you left those two weeks with Revali I expected the worst and I even imagined many fights between you and him in my head...-
He returned his attention to y/n who was staring at him -But I was wrong, I'm happy about that, even... -
-Even what?- asked the sheikah.
-It seems you've already let them go, your ghosts, your past- the champion smiled from ear to ear-It's good to see you're recovering!-
The warrior's eyes sparkled for a few moments before he/she/they turned away -I guess so.... I feel the time to let them go is near-
Soon a sheikah warrior approached them, bowed on one knee before the pair, bringing a fist to the ground -Chief Nera and Master Kohga wish to speak with you, Captain- he said.
The announcement that there was a small urgent meeting waiting interrupted the mood that was set between the two crown's servants,y/n stood up and nodded -That's perfect, in fact, I would like to speak with them too-
Daruk stood up as well -I'll go and see if the king has finished drafting the treaty agreements, although I must confess, all that technical stuff seems quite useless for me- the goron muttered that in a very low tone as if he not wanted the sheikah warrior to hear them.
"Let's hope we find a good use for it" thought y/n in response.
They parted ways, the sheikah had in his/her/their mind what happened in that dream, more than a blow to the heart he/she/they had a lighter mind, he/she/they finally received the answer to the question he/she/they had since waking up in that new era: "How?" and "Why?"
A cruel answer that made his/her/their heart to finally feel at peace.
Nera, the chief of the sheikah and Kohga, the master of the Yiga were sitting facing each other over two barrels in lotus flower pose, with their eyes fixed on each other like cats growling silently before starting a fight.
As soon as y/n arrived the pair of leaders turned their attention to him/her/them -I see you finally woke up, if it wasn't because you already have a history with us I would have taken it as a rude gesture- said Kohga, Sooga was behind him with his arms crossed, the Yiga leaders looked better than a few hours ago.
-I'm glad to see you are better- the sheikah's leader comment was contrary of the Yiga's hostility, Impa was bowing in front of her mother like a guardian statue, both leaders were worried about him/her/them who only nodded, the warrior bowed to both of them as a symbol of respect -You said you need me, how can I help you?- he/she/they asked.
-We need more information about what happens on the day of the calamity, to our clans- it was natural that they were worried, Nera used the calmest tone she could, it was even softer than when y/n first met her.
The bodyguard's spine shivered all over, even more than when he/she/they witnessed what happened to him/her/them in the twilight era a few hours ago, after all, they were talking about a palpable future -Most of the sheikah warriors die, especially those who escorted or took care of the guardians, the Yiga's shelter in Tarrey Town was razed to the ground with all its inhabitants dead, also the main assistants of Lord Sooga, the clan was almost exterminated- he/she/they felt his/her/their throat dry up, he cleared it and took a deep breath, preparing himself/herself/themself to look at the leaders.
They wanted to appear calm, but y/n detected clear signs, the shoulders in both of them tensed, Nera's lower lips trembled, Kohga's hands looked like jelly, the sheikah and yiga present looked frightened in clearer ways -But there is a way out- he/she/they added.
Sooga walked towards the warrior, as if intimidating him/her/them was an incentive to speak faster, he was probably the most nervous of all present, he didn't said anything, the Yiga was staring at him/her/them in silence, forcing him/her/them to speak - "The protection of the goddesses" was a dance the sheikah performed-
- And what is a dance going to do with all of this?!- said Kohga - Are you putting the wellbeing of our people in the hands of a damn dance?!- the master exclaimed, he was indignant, this time he couldn't hide the fear in his voice as well as his anger.
Still, y/n remained calm, -It is the last vestige of ancient magic that exists, maybe not as ancient as the divine beasts, but, it will serve to call.... What is left from my era, our only alternative would be to make the divine beasts not to be corrupted, and if that happens, then we must give the champions a chance, because it is the same beasts corrupted by Ganon who will sow chaos and provoke an unprecedented massacre-
-There are four dancers, performing four dances, Din, Farore, Nayru, and finally Hylia, the last to dance the dance of Din was my brother Kitta, but I don't know the whereabouts of his legacy or the other three descendants, each dance will invoke the ancient spirits of light, guardians of provinces that no longer exist for the most part or that changed form over the centuries, is the only thing that. ...I feel might help the champions in their fight-
After those words, the two enemy clans exchanged glances among all present, Impa approached, standing next to Sogg without feeling any intimidation -My family has practiced the dance of Hylia for generations, that reduces the search to only three people.... - she bowed to him/her/them, with her knees on the ground, even bringing her forehead to the dirt smudging the sheikah eye paint on it -So please, help us save my people-
Meanwhile, Eldin was particularly hot, but Zelda spent most of the day praying at the Sring of Power. They entered through a tunnel carved in stone, ancient ruins that were even unknown to y/n.
She remained several hours in the water, her hands had become wrinkled from it, her empty stomach and head ached, Urbosa watched silently, suppressing the urge to pull the young Hylian out of the water, Link was preparing some food.
Neither of the two champions could approach the princess, she would decide on her own when to leave, the gerudo then decided to walk towards the swordsman -The princess will need something very nourishing if she plans to rest so little and continue meditating even on her birthday- she commented.
Link had improvised a small pot with a dented metal shield they found on the road, now that Verloren was gone, Impa had lent her horse Tatl to Zelda, the knight didn't raise his head, he emitted a small affirmative "hum", he was preparing a stew of meat mixed with Stamella Shroom to increase stamina, one of the things he learned while the princess created strange plates with the things they found in nature.
The dinner for the princess consisted of a roast beef with Stamella Shroom, a cream of radish soup among other dishes to complete a balanced meal, unlike Zelda, the young knight seemed to possess mastery in cooking, he soon showed a plate of the prepared dish to the older one who looked at him a little bit touched.
-Y-You prepared some for me too?-The matriarch asked, she took the dish in her hands, whose aroma filled her nose with an exquisite touch of herbs and meat ready to be eaten -Then, if you allow me, I will start eating- without further ado, she looked for a fork in her pouch in order to start eating.
After serving two more plates, one for himself and one for Zelda, the champion of the sword raised his head to direct it towards where the princess was still in her meditation, he pressed his lips together a little helpless.
-She will know when it will be time to go back, don't hurry- he listened, it seemed that Urbosa guessed his thought even before he could materialize it in words -How about spending time together? You and I? Tell me about yourself, do you have a family?- the gerudo asked before taking a piece of meat to her mouth.
-One... A little sister, she's ten years old- confessed the swordsman.
-Do you miss her very much? Or does she live with you in the castle?-
Link shook his head -She lives in Hateno, with her friends, she's living with a very kind woman but... She has...erh...sent me letters saying she's very angry, even before all this I haven't been able to visit her- he confessed, if the matriarch had been intimate enough with him to confess her worries about Zelda, he could do the same. Couldn't he?
Urbosa laughed softly -Well, when you go to visit her, she will most likely pretend to be angry- she told him, the hylian looked at her clueless -Pretend?- he asked -Do you know why they believe that children are more innocent than teenagers or adults? Because they have the purity to forgive faster- the redhead kept silent for a few moments looking at her half empty plate -If we end the calamity.... You will go to visit her, at first she will be angry, then, maybe she will pretend to be angry, or maybe she will forgive you immediately, and you will reciprocate, you will ask for some time off, to fulfill all her wishes, you will be the best big brother for that little vai, ok?- she told him.
An expression of relief was drawn on the face of the youngest, the gerudo champion sometimes forgot that the swordsman was as young as the princess, for the first time she perceived him as a teenager who needed help to move forward, just like in that small consultation.
They heard movements in the near water of the Fountain, Zelda finally finished meditating, her lower body was fully soaked, she looked tired and started to have dark circles under her eyes -Sorry, I-I tried to feel something, anything but...- she started to say, Urbosa put aside her food to take the plate that was for the young woman.
-Don't worry, princess, we still have time on our side, according to what y/n has said, we have days of advantage, besides, us, the champions are preparing even more, we will be victorious- those words, although they were with the intention of encouraging the princess, it made her feel more pressured.
Despite feeling a knot in her chest for awakening her power, the princess sat down on a rocky and flat surface, part of the ruins that surrounded the fountain, the knight gave her a spoon to start eating her dinner.
Just as she took the first bite a smile appeared on her lips -It's.... Delicious, but I didn't expect less from Link, his food always lifts my spirits-
She probably didn't notice it, or maybe she did, but the swordsman's cheeks turned red for a few moments, his heart felt light, in his stomach the feeling of a butterfly's fluttering was born, it wasn't the first time he experienced things like that when Zelda paid attention to him or just saw her happy.
But he didn't feel it was right to feel that way, not in those moments, even so, the pair of Hylians exchanged shy glances.
Urbosa could notice the chemistry between them, they went from a strange atmosphere of adolescent hostility to a complicity and friendship that denoted the possibility of evolving into something more -Now let's eat, we must return before the negotiations with the Yiga- she told them with a certain severity that brought both of them out of their trance.
They ate in silence, but as Zelda finished eating a tingle on the back of her neck made her straighten up.
"Princess..."
They weren't words, but sensations materializing in her head in the form of a message.
"The answer, it's near."
"Keep searching"
"Zelda."
A few nights ago in her dreams she had seen a beautiful woman surrounded by a golden light who was trying to talk to her but she could never hear, could it be her?
-Are you alright, little bird?- asked Urbosa calling her that way, taking advantage of the fact that Link had stood up to go get the horses, Zelda didn't notice any of that until the gerudo called her.
-I'm just... a little bit tired- the princess murmured, she felt how slowly the champion brought a hand closer to her but paused, as if waiting for consent, she emitted a faint "uhu".
The gerudo's hand was warm, her long nails created a tickle near Zelda's ear, she unconsciously leaned her head on it, feeling a maternal warmth, she closed her eyes, she hadn't realized how exhausted she was until now.
-We could re- the hylian princess broke off abruptly, opening her eyes to look at Urbosa in a determined way -We have to continue, I can hold on, just a little longer -You must not ride alone, not in that state- the matriarch answered her sternly.
As soon as Link approached to announce that the horses were ready, the gerudo champion helped Zelda to stand up to put her in front of the young man -She will go with you, I will lead Tatl with my horse- ordered the older one.
-B-But-
-She is exhausted, Link, we must arrive as soon as possible to Central Hyrule and Epona is the only mount capable of arriving in the shortest time- that was more than enough to convince the champion of the sword, even though that caused him conflict and nerves for what he felt, they had to think about what was best for the mission.
Link gave a bow, taking a hand to his chest -Princess, if you do not wish to go with me I can assure you that Epona is very obedient, but I would ask you to go carefully- however, the princess shook her head -It's okay, I would feel safe if we go together, we have to get there as soon as possible to seal that deal, y/n is doing his/her/their best, and so are the champions, I will do my part Link!-
She received no immediate response, her knight readied Epona and helped her get on the horse's back while he would lead the mare, they started riding once Urbosa secured Tatl to her own horse, when they were at a safe distance the knight cleared his throat to get the princess's attention.
-You are already doing your part majesty, but please don't carry the whole world on your shoulders, we are a team and I will always be by your side- he thanked that he was turning his back to her so she wouldn't notice the olympian effort it took to say that, to express his loyalty and desire to support her, his cheeks burned.
He wasn't the only one, the young princess of Hyrule was the same, it took her a few minutes to recover from the pleasant shock of those words -I know, thank you, Link-
Maybe that voice she heard was mere coincidence, her own mind wanting to believe she was accomplishing something, the young woman was so exhausted that she leaned her head on the knight's back, closed her eyes and suddenly she found herself in an unknown and dark place.
Assuming she had fallen asleep, she began to walk in the strange surroundings but something jumped in front of her causing her to stop, she was startled at first until she identified that it was a wolf that seemed to emit light of its own, a gray furred wolf with intense blue eyes that stared back at her.
It was not the female figure illuminated in light that she sometimes encountered, it was a being with the eyes of a proud beast, she brought a hand to her chest -W-Who are...-.
The wolf let out a bark and gestured with his head as if to say follow him into the unknown, she was still wearing her ceremonial robes, she looked down at her hands, clasping them for a few seconds -This is a dream, but.... It feels quite real-
She had no other choice, she began to follow the wolf and under her feet the entrance to Mount Lanayru began to materialize, but before she could walk, the ground began to shake violently, from the foundations of the castle a reddish and black smoke began to rise and covered the entire building that stood in the distance until it finally took the shape of a boar's head.
The monster roared and then looked at her straight in the eye.
She saw only a disturbing yellow light that filled her heart with fear, it was looking at her, that thing wanted to make her its prey.
Zelda woke up letting out a small gasp, but she was no longer in Epona, she was lying on a bed, sheltered, she looked to the sides, how long had she slept? There was no longer the afternoon light, everything was dark, no, no, no, no .... She fell asleep! She hated herself for a few moments for falling asleep.
Soon, the princess realized she was at the Lon Lon Ranch and heard her father's voice talking to other people near the closed-door room, she combed her hair with her fingers, unwrinkled her clothes when she could and went out to meet the others as soon as possible.
Everyone was in the same place as the last meeting, the small lights of the dining room could barely illuminate King Rhoam who was perusing a scroll with the seal of the Yiga clan on the back, they were making treaties.
The silence was almost absolute if it weren't for the monarch occasionally emitting an "uhum" every time he finished reading one of the incises within the document, Zelda stood in the shadows, shrugging her shoulders in shyness, feeling that if she were to sit down she would interrupt the atmosphere, she also noticed that Robbie, Purah and Terrako had joined those present.
She felt someone who wasn't focused at the moment approaching -How are you feeling?- it was y/n, murmuring in a very low tone, barely perceptible -I... I-I fell asleep, I'm so sorry- she answered, the sheikah shook his/her/their head -Don't worry, your father ordered me to take you to your room, Link rested a couple of hours too- he/she/they told her.
Zelda concentrated on looking at the treaty -How are they doing?- she asked, her friend who cleared his/her/their throat a little -For the temporary truce, the sheikah have asked that there will be no attacks by the Yiga against the royal family or the champions for a year from today and they will not cause casualties against their clan, also that they do not practice rituals of forbidden magic that require sacrifices, The Yiga are asking for provisions and sustenance necessary to subsist in their main base outside the crown for that year, they will not be asked again to respect Hylia or bow to the monarchs of the kingdom, they will remain faithful to the ideals of Ganon-
-Anything else?- asked the princess, y/n paused for a few moments -That if Ganon resurfaces they are free not to support us, we still need you and I to convince the members of the Yiga clan to fight against Astor-
They were silent until Rhoam finally looked at Master Kohga at the mask -We accept your terms, Master Kohga- then he looked sideways at Zelda, the king detected her presence since she arrived, after making sure she was next to the royal bodyguard he took a pen that Impa was holding to sign the agreement.
The metal tip of the object gently scratching the surface of the scroll echoed in the silent space for a few moments before the royal advisor stood up looking at everyone present -It's done, The Yiga clan and the Sheikah tribe have made an alliance to work together-
-Not so fast! You still have to convince my people!- exclaimed Master Kohga, he turned sideways until he found the royal bodyguard next to the princess, he pointed out to them -You better do your part!-
The champions were unable to ask Zelda how she was doing, she nodded immediately and walked with y/n out of the house, in the field where the cattle previously stood now there was a large number of Yiga clan members, many seated waiting for the next indication from their superiors.
There were not only Yiga, also sheikah and soldiers from the other tribes. How had they managed to gather so quickly?
"I can't do it, it's too many people."
"My father is the one who usually gives the speeches, what if I do it wrong?"
She felt a hand resting on her shoulder gently, it was her friend who smiled warmly -What if I don't convince them?- the princess asked in a whisper, externalizing her worries, her green eyes met y/n's who became thoughtful and then answered -It will happen.... Whatever has to happen-
For some reason those words made her feel better, Impa left the meeting to walk towards them -This way, I will show you where you will give your speech majesty, w-we count on you- the advisor said, they walked along the lawn, some fireflies illuminated the outside of the farm and rested on the old wooden fences, the wind blew with gentleness absent of the tension of the war.
-What I am going to say?- Zelda asked, y/n played with his/her/their hands shyly -We could use the desire everyone has to protect what they love- he/she/they proposed quietly.
-Protect what they love?-
-YYes, remember what we talked about with the champions before you left? We could use that, you could use that, but also, Zelda? You must tell them...-
-Tell them what?
-That they don't have to do it only for the crown, I know it's a strange comment for a sheikah to say it, but, the Yiga arose for community interests, we must appeal to that and not to the service of the royal family- he/she/they finished.
From one second to the next Zelda was standing on a pile of hay stacked in the form of a platform to one side of the bodyguard, she was one step in front, y/n a step back with hands behind his/her/their back, neither of them knowing exactly what to say.
In front of them were the soldiers, of different races and even enemies waiting for the hylian's words, all forming well organized rows, some with drowsy expressions others attentive, it was four in the morning and the desire to sleep dominated the atmosphere, to add more to the pressure of giving an effective speech, all the champions accompanied by the king positioned themselves a few meters away from them.
-Inhabitants of Hyrule!- Zelda began to say, she put a hand to her chest, swallowed saliva and took a deep breath -I am princess Zelda, and you have been gathered to be able to defend our home from the calamity, but also in these days a new enemy has appeared that we did not count on, a sorcerer named Astor, who is threatening the lives of everyone present, b-because of that- she lowered her gaze, as if the dry texture of the objects she was standing on gave her a written answer -B-because of that...-
She wanted that moment to cease to exist, that it had not happened at all, at least that it would happen when she was ready.
Then the princess remembered, y/n's desperate face, how he/she/they was breaking down and pleading for her help, then came a vision of her own imagination where her friends perished, she did not wish for that, even without her power, she had to try.
-That is why I ask you to fight for your home!- she exclaimed, raising her head, she took another deep breath, her ears were deafened by the rapid palpitations of her heart, those words seemed to catch the attention of all present who leaned forward.
-I... I know what some people say about me.... - she pressed her lips -That I am a princess who does her best to evade the responsibility that the title of "Zelda" has given me, who has not put as much devotion in meditating to awaken her power as her predecessors- some hylian soldiers lowered their eyes in sorrow, others turned away in obvious guilty of some gossip -I have always been instilled with a love for the kingdom, for its people, and everyone of you, the crown always asked you to feel devotion towards the royal family but...-
The princess sighed, what she would say would probably get her in trouble with her father -But the purpose of defending this land has always been because of the love you feel for it, for your families and friends who live here!- the young woman's words soared in the early morning sky, suddenly the doubts about herself or how they would see her dissipated, she only wanted to protect her friends, her family, her....
Her knight, Link.
Even if the goddesses considered her feelings for him impure, she wanted to protect him and ride with him throughout the kingdom, to camp, to talk about silly things or research artifacts, she wanted Urbosa to keep telling her about her mother, to spend time in the zora domain with Mipha to get to know her better, to have Revali help her handle the bow better, to convince Daruk that dogs weren't so bad, that y/n....
Be by his/her/their side, and read about antiquities in the library, go to the festival with him/her/them from morning till the sun goes down, talk to all their friends like that occasion in the library.
She was not asking them to defend their kingdom out of devotion to the crown, but to use the same thing as her as a reason to fight: their loved ones, just as y/n advised her.
The Yiga had their full attention on her now, even Kohga seemed convinced by her words, Terrako was trying to rise as high as possible from Robbie's arms to try to get a better look at her.
-Let's fight, so we can see a new day together!- exclaimed the princess, the Hylian soldiers as well as the rest of the tribes loyal to the crown raised their weapons as the sun was slowly peeking through the mountains, the edges of their swords, arrows and spears glittered like deadly diamonds.
For a few moments the members of the Yiga clan looked momentarily at Kohga and Sooga who only nodded in approval, it was then that the war screams and weapons to the sky were joined by the blades of the rebel clan.
-Princess, we wish to show you something, we had not been able to do so because you were asleep- murmured Purah cautiously, taking advantage of the cries of bravery as a cover, y/n went down first from the improvised platform in order to help Zelda.
As soon as the princess's sandals touched the ground, Terrako went down Robbie's arms and approached emitting a couple of beeps in the form of greetings, she bent down to gently caress the surface of the little guardian -Hello Terrako...- she looked at the others -Where could we go so we could discuss this in private?- asked Revali.
Zelda then looked towards the castle in silent response.
The rest did the same -Would it be good to go even if it is empty?- asked Mipha bringing a hand to the soft fabric of her champion's scarf -Soon the daylight will come, the inside of the castle will be illuminated by the skylights and windows- answered Rhoam -We should set off there then-
But y/n, Impa or Nera didn't move from there when they started to walk Zelda turned around to look at them -What's wrong?
Y/n gave a bow -I'm sorry, your majesty, but we must do something first, it's something related to the divine beasts, if Astor is still out there, nothing guarantees us that the monsters I met during the other timeline won't emerge here too- he/she/they answered, they exchanged a long silent look.
-But... you are going to come back before the war, aren't you?- asked Revali, the bodyguard shook his/her/their head, giving a negative answer that seemed painful to give -The sheikah, will act behind the scenes as we have always done, I'm afraid we won't see each other again until we are sure of the final victory-
It sounded like a sentence, a fear that materialized in the rito of being separated from his lover and in Zelda of not having the support of her friend, the princess then approached the bodyguard and removed one of the bracelets that complemented her ceremonial robes to place it in y/n's hands.
-T-This! It is part of your sacred attire- said y/n with surprise, he/she/they held the object with the utmost delicacy as if it was going to vanish for being touched by his/her/their mortal hands, the hylian took the bracelet again, stretched the sheikah's right hand to put it on his/her/their wrist -Then you will give it back to me when we meet again- before separating their hands the princess held on to it while she pressed her lips -Tell me, do you think we can win this time?- she asked in a whisper, hoping for a promise, a guarantee that they could all be together again.
The Sheikah put a hand on the hylian's -I'll make sure we win, Zelda- he/she/they answered her, y/n looked at the joined hands, appreciating the feeling that in many years had already disappeared, a love similar to the one he/she/they felt for his/her/their father or his/her/their brother, the princess was his/her/their new family, the gesture with the bracelet was a proof of that.
-Then go! Let's win, all together- she told her friend.
They parted ways, the two groups left to completely different sides and the only ones left in the place were Revali and y/n -I'll take care of them, don't worry- the rito dared to say pretending the vanity he once had, the sheikah suppressed his/her/their sad grimace while letting out a small laugh -And I.... I promise to come back alive-
As the champions, scientists and monarchs arrived at the castle they were received by the crushing loneliness that suddenly swept over them, now that there were no longer any servants or members of the nobility roaming its halls, the grey rock complex went from a luxurious place to an empty shell.
Rhoam stepped forward, as if he was used to the solitude of the place and now acted as a tour guide within its habitat, Terrako stepped forward, finally the others had the courage to walk those corridors.
They arrived at the library, the sad atmosphere was interrupted by Purah and Robbie who stepped forward at the last minute in order to place Terrako and the sheikah slate on the table -Now, princess, how do you think all those warriors from different tribes were able to arrive so soon?- they asked almost in unison.
Zelda made a gesture with her shoulders in uncertainty -That's what I was wondering the most, did you have anything to do with it?- she asked, a smile appeared on the face of the scientist who took the sheikah slate to show the screen to the rest.
-If the scientists of the twilight era had discovered the wonders of ancestral sheikah technology, we would be at a stratospheric level of advancement right now- said Robbie, Link exchanged glances with Mipha, looking for an explanation translated into understandable english, the others let the pair of scholars continue with the extravagant performance -The sheikah towers that were restored during the twilight era are tuned to the sheikah slate, this gives us an advantage to have knowledge of the geographical surface of the kingdom and also, princess, this can disappear and reappear different things or people from all parts of the kingdom to the location you want-
The discovery was quite shocking, Zelda took the slate and looked at the object and then looked at the scientists with an astonished expression -Y-You brought a whole army from several points of the kingdom using this? H-How is it possible?!-she asked, she forced herself to calm down to analyze the slate and went through the map, even though it looked small on the screen, Hyrule was quite big -This is incredible, it increases our chances to win remarkably- she said while smiling with emotion.
-Then you went... To our different tribes and spoke with our second in command to ask for forces to defend Central Hyrule? - asked the zora princess, Robbie nodded -We have told them the truth to those who left in charge, that their champions can not win this battle alone and that if we could take with us a couple of generals and soldiers, without ignoring their land's defenses- explained the man.
Revali had his wings crosse, he felt a lump in his throat, everything was going quite well, if it was the goddesses helping them he was not going to deny their help but at the same time....
-All good? You look... Kind of pale- Urbosa was looking at him, she probably noticed when his expression darkened, he half opened his beak "yes, everything is fine" but no, he couldn't lie to them anymore -I don't want to sound pessimistic but all of this is going pretty well-
The gerudo watched as Purah explained that Terrako already had the ability to transport himself around the kingdom with ease along with other companions, being able to function as the new messenger between the regions -It's a calm before the storm, probably the appearance of the towers was not something that was within Astor's plans and he is looking to make an adjustment, like us-
Link joined the conversation, he turned with them but hesitated a little about speaking or not -What's going on?- asked Revali offering him the word, the swordsman then gathered the courage to speak -We are a few days ahead, the adrenaline of the soldiers is at its peak, although the generals and captains give them the orders if they follow the peace then it will be their state of alert that will tire them. It is an old military strategy, a popular one: wait for the storm to happen but when you think it won't come...-
-It ends up happening when you let your guard down- completed the gerudo, the blond nodded -I've been wondering. Why if there are so many monsters to make the civilians of Central Hyrule evacuate, suddenly there aren't as many monsters as the ones the princess and I faced in Eldin?-
-Be that as it may, we have to hold our position, do not let the soldiers and captains abandon their posts, if the calamity arises from this place then they will act as a barrier so that the borders of their attack will be established, a soldier's barrier between Hyrule and the castle, while the champions will provide support to...- Revali went silent, all the hatred he felt for being dismissed to "second place" invaded him, but now that he faced a life and death dilemma, an emotion like envy had to be plunged deep into the abyss within his being.
-You and the princess, after all, you have the only thing that separates us between victory and doom- he completed.
They realized that they were the only ones talking and filling the silence inside the room, the rest of the people present had heard the conversation including Rhoam -We're sorry princess, we were just talking a little-
Zelda stared at them and silently chose a suitable facial expression so as not to worry them, she only nodded -I understand perfectly, we must not let our guard down, and my power has not awakened yet, that's why I must leave and fo to the Spring of Courage as soon as possible, Link, I need you to prepare the horses-
The Goron chief took a step forward, clearing his throat a little -Princess, I would like to take advantage of this intermission to try to bond a little more with the divine beast, I feel that the tests with Rudania were not enough-
-Tests? Can we know what are you talking about Daruk? Asked Purah, Mipha then was the one who talked now -After the princess called us, each one of us encountered ancient riddles that led us to different tests where we met ancient sheikah monks who granted us their wisdom to become better pilots of the divine beasts, we bonded with our beasts, and they bonded with us so to speak-
Daruk nodded and nodded to thank the zora for sparing him those technical things that he would not have been good at explaining -Although the little guy has advised me to take walks with Rudania, sometimes he is a bit difficult to deal with, I would like to give my divine beast a couple of adjustments-
-You should all do the same- Proposed the king -Ensure that the state of your divine beasts is in optimal condition, train yourselves, take the necessary time for that, and if you need all the days we have left to prepare your armament, so be it, Ganon should not take us unawares, now go, it is an order- he stretched his hand towards the nearest exit of the place.
They all left, before leaving Urbosa passed by Zelda's side and touched her shoulder gently -You can do it, little bird- she murmured while walking away, being the last one to leave.
Rhoam now turned his gaze to his daughter and the knight, the princess looked at the exit where her friends left, ready to start walking after the sound of their footsteps disappeared -My daughter...- said the king, calling her attention.
A cold sensation ran down the young woman's back who turned her eyes to him expecting some reprimand or scolding for her speech, but only found a much softer expression than her last talk with him. Link bent down on one knee looking at the ground, becoming invisible in the conversation that was still witnessed in silence by Purah, Robbie and Terrako.
-I know you are giving everything of you, but... I need you to do a little more, I promise I will also give my all in this war that awaits us, you have done a good job of keeping your mind cool but the warmth needed to address your people-
Zelda gasped, nodded, looked at the ground, saying nothing, she walked quickly towards the exit without formally saying goodbye, the knight followed somewhat confused, Rhoam did not follow in fact he seemed to have prepared himself for that reaction on the blonde's part.
"Princess are you alright? Is something wrong?" Link replayed over and over the king's words which surprised him greatly in contrast to what he told the princess when they were supervising the guardias's supervision in secret a few days ago, but Zelda had said nothing, he couldn't look at her face to know how she felt, she was walking faster and faster making him even have to jog.
She didn't stop until they reached the stable where Urbosa had kept Tatl and Link had kept Epona, Zelda entered the white steed's small place and took hold of his rein, the horse detected her mood better than the champion of the sword so used his back to cover the princess's face creating a kind of visual protection.
The princess was crying and didn't want anyone to see her, not even the workers, she covered her mouth with a hand to stifle a small sigh, she felt happy... she felt stupidly happy.
"You have done a good job" was the phrase that kept repeating itself over and over inside her head, the imaginary shadows that surrounded her heart suddenly ceased to exist, now she visualized it with a small inner light, suddenly the memory of her deceased mother crossed her mind.
There was a time when the king carried her in his arms, it was a memory that probably did not dwell inside him but she treasured it quite a bit, it was during one of the lunches in one of the royal gardens when her mother was still alive.
She pretended to be asleep while the queen sang her favorite song and stroked her hair, then the kings exchanged a couple of dialogues about being too late, it was as palpable as yesterday.
"It's already night, I'll take her to bed" her late mother was saying, "No, the doctor said you should rest, I'll take her this time" the princess felt afraid at first because she always related the king with an eternal frown, but when he carried her, he felt so warm, like a big bear, the extravagant cologne he had wore flooded her nose almost made her sneeze but she kept pretending to sleep.
When Rhoam finally laid her down on her bed, Zelda felt his hand caress her hair lovingly before he withdrew.
Those gestures, those last loving gestures her father had given her during her childhood remained as a sad dream she longed for after her mother's death, and now, it seemed that the father who took her to her room when she was younger was back, or so she wanted to believe.
"Hurry, he/she/they need you, you'll have time" Zelda scolded herself, she ran her forearm over her face to wipe as much of her tears as she could and finally got ready to leave, besides, she had to think out more about the dream she had with that wolf.
_____
A whole day passed, y/n was with Impa and Nera were at Satori Mountain, the only place closer to the deities besides the fairy fountains or the goddess's springs, they were accompanied by other sheikah who volunteered.
The royal bodyguard explained each of the dances but it was useless, despite the good intentions of the warriors who volunteered, there was no such real connection to the spirit of that dance, no matter how much they did it, nothing happened.
-We should go back, look for answers, maybe among the ancient sheikah scrolls we could find something- proposed Impa suddenly, they were having dinner in front of a bonfire near the pond where the cherry tree was blooming, the hidden room was long gone again since its access was blocked after the battle with Sooga.
Nera emitted a faint "hmm" then gently blew out the smoke that her skewer of meat gave off before taking a bite -The old records don't speak of dances, it was something that was passed down by word of mouth or more archaic techniques -she replied after a few moments, y/n was frustrated, his/her/their hands held his/her/their head and he/she/they was leaning forward hunching his/her/their back completely -This dance, it was supposed to work but it doesn't, what if I don't remember it correctly?-
-If so this trip was for nothing...- Impa blurted out, then realized what she had said so easily -But! Maybe we just need to look for other sheikah who want to try the dance before the princess's birthday!-
-The volunteers can be from the Yiga clan?- They heard, y/n lift his/her/their head just to see a small smoke cloud dissipating, Sebit and Merv were wearing their uniforms, but they had taken off their masks, the youngest Yiga swallowed saliva -We were serving as Master Kohga's bodyguards when y/n came to tell us about the dance, but we were afraid to come and be rejected- he commented.
Nera gave them a sidelong glance -What makes you think you are candidates to be able to perform a sacred dance like this?- she asked seriously, Impa stood up, putting herself on guard in case it was some trickery on the part of the newcomers.
-It isn't like that! Please believe us! My grandfather was a sheikah, the former apprentice of the first poet of the royal court, he used to practice a dance that he later passed on to my father, he always called it "Farore's Courage-
Merv nodded -I... I don't have a close sheikah relative, but my family has always practiced something called "The wisdom of Nayru" to celebrate the rainy seasons-
-And we have also brought the heir to the dance of Din- they said in unison.
From the shadows of the dead trees near the bonfire, a figure stopped mimicking the thin trunks to approach the light, it was someone who had already been watching for some time without the sheikah chief herself noticing, positioning himself just behind Y/n.
-Mr. ....Sooga?- asked the bodyguard who straightened up completely and stepped back, looking at him astonished.
-Your brother never had children, but he took it upon himself to inherit that dance, probably because it was one of the last things in his life he had left and it bounded him to you, I'm not sure, but we are talking about the wish of one of the masters of the past, and to disappoint Master Kitta in that matter would be the same as to disappoint Master Kohga- his voice was neutral, deep, honest.
Sooga removed the mask in front of him/her/them, the sheikah had not seen it since he/she/they was still with the Yiga, the enormous man bowed to y/n as he would to his master -You would have been, a good apprentice to Master Kohga and worthy heir to the clan...- he murmured.
He was a man with a broken heart, and now the bodyguard knew why, to discover the lost relative of the former leader of the clan he love so much, to dedicate two years for that person's recovery, to trust him/she/they the appearance of your face and with them your secrets so that in the end he/she/they would join the side you despise so much, that would break anyone's heart.
-Thank you very much... Sooga, but I think the clan is already in good hands, and you are one of them- answered y/n.
It had been almost four days since y/n returned from a future that at that point was uncertain, they had nothing left to lose,in less than a day it would be Princess Zelda's birthday, there was no sign of Astor but they would not waste that peace.
Now with new members for the dance, the bodyguard drew a triforce on the ground where Impa, Sebit, Merv and Sooga were positioned.
They began to dance, firm and fluid steps, they were movements similar to those of various martial arts that required a lot of concentration, soon the lines that drew the sacred symbol of the kingdom under their feet began to glow, the chief Nera was looking at the scene with her arms crossed.
Everything would be fine, until a pang pierced the bodyguard's heart who fell to the ground on his/her/their knees and contracted while he/she/they grumbled through his/her/their teeth, but it didn't seem to be noticed by the representatives of the dance, the sheikah's chief instead did and bowed to him/her/them.
-Don't tell me they are linked to you, we have to stop the ritual as soon as possib-
-I'll be fine!- interrupted the sheikah sharply, he/she/they grabbed Nera's wrist to prevent her from interrupting the dance, he/she/they had not experienced such pain since he/she/they had been locked in the ice and learned that it had been centuries since his/her/their friend and family died.
With each beat the pain increased and made him/her/them want to scream to try to distract his/her/their mind from the horrible sensation, the blood circulating through his/her/their body burned, his/her/their joints became paralyzed and an unpleasant tingling invaded his/her/their hands, he/she/they wanted to vomit, to faint, y/n closed his/her/their eyes tightly wanting to focus on something else.
"Just a little more" he/she/they thought to himself/herself/themself before giving up, the bodyguard counted ten seconds to then count again another ten, but it was quite difficult to concentrate, even he/she/they couldn't complete the counts as he/she/they wished, y/n felt how Nera put a piece of cloth in his/her/their mouth which he/she/they bit hard while stifling another scream.
"Don't faint, don't faint, the time, we're almost there, almost there, don't faint" another heartbeat, he/she/they clenched his/her/their hands, a little bile came out of the sheikah's mouth staining the cloth that had been placed on his/her/their mouth making him/her/them opening it so he/she/they could scream.
His/Her/Their heart stopped beating, the sheikah would swear it did, he/she/they began to breathe agitatedly in uncoordinated and irregular gasps to try to recover, he/she/they didn't see it, but from his/her/their body came out four spheres of light that soon were placed above the heads of those who performed the dance.
They materialized in their divine forms, extinct creatures from a distant era that now judged the Sheikah and Yiga in front of them with their gazes.
"Tell us your plea, mortals."
No one dared to speak, y/n between gasps could formulate the next sentence, he/she/they opened his eyes, raised his/her/their head feeling dizzy and lightheaded as he/she/they did so, even with all the unpleasant sensations on top his/her/their request came out as a roar -Protect the champions of the divine beasts!- from his/her/their mouth came out a couple of strands of saliva and bile, the bodyguard gritted his/her/their teeth, wanting to hold back the gasps while his/her/their body slowly stopped working.
The spirits of light nodded, returned to immaterial form to rise even higher in the sky and finally disperse to their destinations.
Y/n's heart started beating again, and that was very painful, the sheikah fell to the ground on his/her/their side as he/she/they let out a last whimper before his/her/their breathing returned to normal, the Sheikah's chief took the cloth she had used to cover the mouth of the royal bodyguard, wet a clean part with water to wipe his/her/their face cleaning the saliva and bile.
-It would have been nice of you to know that that dance could have killed you- Sebit scolded without knowing how to react or what to do, Merv instead searched for a tonic in her pouch and Sooga shook his head while he put his mask back on -He/She/They already knew that he/she/they wasn't going to die, if not, y/n would have looked for another way- he commented.
The warrior smiled, he/she/they looked at them sideways -It was...Like pulling out a milk tooth- he/she/they said as a joke, Impa leaned on the other side to place a hand on his/her/their head and just when everyone thought she was going to caress his/her/their hair the advisor actually let out a strong blow.
-Ah!- The bodyguard winced in pain, holding his/her/their head tightly, -Impa!- Her mother called, the royal advisor looked at her mother with a sad look -Why do you think his/her/their life wasn't at risk?! I performed a dance that I memorized all my life and when I saw that it worked, instead of feeling happy I could only see one of my best friends on the ground dying when he/she/they promised the princess that they would see each other again! I don't know how you call it in your time but in this one it's called cruelty!- she shed a couple of tears that she tried to stop by covering her face.
A hand rested on her forehead, on her white fringe and she felt a soft caress. Impa looked up, it was y/n who was now lying on his/her/their back and staring at her -You're right.... Not telling the others about the risk was very cruel.... When this is all over we will talk about it, but... I must thank you, for putting your faith in this plan, Impa, you are a great friend- his/her/their voice was raspy maybe because of the whining or the screaming, but after thanking her, the bodyguard smiled warmly as if it would help calm the others, he/she/they moved his/her/their hand away to put it on his/her/their chest.
Impa frowned, but did not reject the gentle touch -Please, no more sacrifices, if we are going to face calamity let it be with all of us together- she begged, Merv approached with the tonic in her hands -M-May I?- she asked shyly.
-Can you move?- asked Sebit, y/n let out a grunt as he/she/they rejoined, it was a good sign that he/she/they didn't need anyone to be able to sit down and take the bottle that was being offered to him/her/them.
They would go back to Central Hyrule, it was time for one last meeting before Zelda went to the Spring of wisdom, on their way the earth was shaking again, soldiers from the Hebra and Farone region hurried the pace in that some refugees were going to the neighbor towns while others were fighting the monsters that tried to approach.
None of them could not stop to help, they went from having all the time in the world to having the time counted, when they arrived there was no trace of Zelda, but Robbie and Purah were there.
When they arrived at Lon Lon Ranch it was already night, Nera and Sooga exchanged glances, Impa stopped next to the pair of servants of the Yiga's sub-leader -What's going on?- asked y/n -We have to keep preparing our people, the Sheikah are deactivating most of the guardians they are seeing on their way but the investigations still talk about a large amount of them stored somewhere near the castle-
-I must go back to master Kohga, I have been absent for quite a while- it was natural that the two Yiga accompanied the older, Impa meanwhile looked at the bodyguard -I have to protect the king. Could you take care of the rest?- her friend nodded.
After saying goodbye to the others the sheikah entered the Lon Lon ranch's house, the pair of scientists were working there, Robbie approached him/her/them with Terrako in his arms -Do you remember that your bracelets had certain functions?- he asked, y/n nodded.
-Prunia kept me updated on the function of the towers when she brought all those soldiers here, but I don't know what it has to do with my bracelets- he/she/they commented uncertainty.
Terrako beeped a couple of times and suddenly opened the compartment that was always closed, now with y/n's bracelets as a complement, the android mechanism looked complete and even improved -I think your father wanted to create his own guardian or his own piece of sheikah technology based on the findings they made in the twilight era, but it took him a couple of years to complete it- said the man.
He placed the machine on the floor and gave it space.
The diminutive guardian rotated his internal mechanisms to show the royal bodyguard how each button and modules were actually designed for him, finally, the ornament on one of the bracelets that looked like a crystal eye like the ones the guardians had unfolded before him/her/them.
"The special function" that his father mentioned so much in the past momentarily shimmered, a mechanical voice echoed around the house:
"The Diminutive Guardian mechanism has been completed, you now have access to the last recording in the archive."
At last, he/she/they might know what the message said, if they waited long enough they could all listen to it together on Zelda's side, "It's true, it's basically her birthday already, I wish I had found something along the way" it was a childish thought, looking for a gift in the middle of war, it was silly.
-There's an hostile presence on the plain!-Some of the soldiers were running around shouting the message, y/n then grabbed Terrako to close his compartment to give it to Rotver, he/she/they knew who the presence was -Don't let him get out of here, protect him, please- he/she/they placed Robbie's hands as tightly as possible on the diminutive guardian while looking at him in the eyes -If Astor gets hold of him, we will most likely lose the war, we still don't know what else he is capable of doing- he/she/they said.
Robbie briefly grabbed him/her/them by the sleeve of his/her/their uniform so he/she/they wouldn't leave yet -Please Cherry.... Come back alive- Purah watched from a couple of meters away but when her partner released the request she also looked at him/her/them in supplication.
Y/n nodded -I promise you- he/she/they said.
The bodyguard went out and walked to the plain where the stranger was. It was Astor, everyone expected him to appear surrounded by monsters, servants, but he was alone, holding his sphere that gave off a dark purple glow in the middle of the night's darkness.
The soldiers pointed their weapons at him, none dared to approach, the king seemed not to have arrived yet but the captains were ready, Nera, Sooga and Kohga were positioned ready to attack.
Purah held the sheikah slate as she accompanied y/n -I will go for the princess and the champion of the sword, distract him as much as you can- after saying those words she disappeared in a blue glow.
-Well, let's take a look at all of this, you organized a whole welcome in my name?-Astor smiled, he seemed happy and calm contrary to the belief that he was frustrated, the warrior approached him with slow steps, being at least 10 meters away. The sorcerer looked at him/her/them and bowed his head -I see you got rid of the spirits of light that protected you so much- the fact that he knew about them gave away that the wizard possessed something beyond magic.
-You will no longer be able to summon the monsters you want Astor, get out of here and maybe I will consider sparing your life- y/n spoke with a firm voice, despite the fear that was running through him/her/them now he/she/they could face the enemy, the sheikah was determined to spend his/her/their life with his/her/their beloved, friends and newfound family.
Sooga walked to stand beside the bodyguard, Kohga likewise, Nera unsheathed two kodachi, a pair of captains a few steps behind them pointed at the enemy.
-Attack!- they exclaimed in unison causing an entire squad of Hylian soldiers and Yiga to let out a war cry as they ran towards the newcomer, Astor stretched out his hand, and began to count, y/n could see his lips were moving, it was very visible what he was saying.
"3..."
Y/n felt something was going to happen, his/her/their survival instinct screamed -Back off! Don't go!- he/she/they started to say.
"2..."
His/Her/Their pleas were ignored.
"1..."
Astor snapped his fingers and the ground began to shake, four giant pillars of black rock began to come out near the castle, while the rest of the army were concentrating on keeping their balance the soldiers who went to attack the enemy had their feet planted on the ground against their will.
They fell to the ground suddenly and began to convulse until finally red colored spheres came out of their chests until they finally became completely immobile, Astor had killed them. Y/n swallowed saliva, unsheathed his/her/their kodachi and with the other he/she/they placed one hand in front of the rest of the soldiers in indication that they should stay away so that they would not suffer the same fate -What do you plan to do with them?!- Kohga questioned.
-They are giving their lives for the greater good, that's all- replied the sorcerer with disinterest.
Nera began to run to fight but immediately her advance was stopped by a swordsman, Link's shadow clashed the edge of his sword with the kodachi of the sheikah's chief, the rest of the champion's shadows did not take long to appear, they did not attack, but they pointed their weapons at everyone so that they would not approach.
The souls of the soldiers slowly joined with each other until they made four groupings that floated behind Astor, they took the form of four monsters, the same ones that possessed the divine beasts in that other future, the torments inside y/n's nightmares for all those years, were there, in front of all.
"But it's not Zelda's birthday yet, this can't be happening" Astor noticed the stunned and frightened face on the sheikah to which he smiled complacently -What's wrong? It looks like you already knew them- he lowered his hand, stretched it towards him/her/them -I just need one final piece-
After saying that, Nera fell to the ground unconscious, the shadow of the hylian champion had beaten her by far, the rest of the shadows of the champions turned their eyes to y/n while Astor recited the words that he/she/they wanted to avoid for everything in the world - "Fierce deity...- the enemy started to recite, the bodyguard started to run, he/she/they had to silence him so that the beast inside him/her/them would not wake up.
But it was too late -...Give me your strength!"-.
The sheikah stopped, his/her/their hair turned white, his/her/their eyes alike, the war marks on his/her/their face appeared, immediately he/she/they was subdued by the shadows of the champions, Kohga backed away cautiously but Sooga went on the attack. The shadows began to melt and envelop the bodyguard until they created a hard shell with reddish veins that separated him/her/them from the rest.
Sooga tried to hit the hard surface that imprisoned the sheikah but it was useless, Astor began to make a couple of gestures with his hands, it began to dawn, a reddish sun invaded the sky and the clouds turned black, the man recited unknown words that did not cease to be disturbing, from the rock pillars that came out of the ground began to emerge several guardians that destroyed what they had in front of them to make their way.
Impa and Rhoam could barely get out of the castle when it was enveloped by a dark mass that shot into the sky, a small piece of it went to the small shell that held y/n prisoner and Sooga hit with the edge of his katana with desperation.
-Princess, find a safe place!
-What is she doing here?
-Get the princess to safety!
Zelda had left her meditation when Purah appeared before her and Link to notify that something was wrong, the beasts that Astor had created were still floating behind him, intimidating anyone who wanted to approach, the castle was covered by malice, the guardians that slept underground now began to attack the soldiers.
They left their horses near Lanayru to use the transportation method of the scientist who used the Sheikah slate to take them to Central Hyrule, but the champion of the sword saw that as a disadvantage, they could not get closer to see the perpetrator of the attack, every step the princess took the soldiers prevented them from putting themselves in danger, between pushes and slips, Zelda was finally able to reach the main plain where the enemy was supposed to be.
The first thing she saw was Sooga desperately trying to break some kind of dark rock in front of him -What's going o-
-Princess!- Impa left her unconscious mother to approach her and take her by the shoulders and move her as far away from the place as she could, Astor had not noticed her presence, the royal advisor looked askance at Purah -Why did you bring her here? We must take her to a safe place!-
The king interrupted the escape to look at the sorcerer who was now giving his orders to the creatures he summoned using the souls of the unfortunate soldiers -Ganon's Blights! Exterminate the champions at all costs!- after saying his order, the beings parted ways in all directions, now that they were no longer there to intimidate, Master Kohga ran to confront him.
-Let's see if you're brave enough to face me! You filthy coward!-He wanted to avenge the fallen Yiga, not only the ones that had just perished in front of his eyes just moments ago but also the ones that Astor secretly killed while doing his experiments, the enemy made a gesture with his head -Ganon's puppet... protect me- he gave the order in a low voice and even so the rock that Sooga was trying to break opened on its own andy/n came out.
His/her/their hair was still white but his/her/their eyes were now yellow, the sheikah's skin had taken on a pale green hue and along his/her/their limbs and face were blue veins marked all along the way, before Kohga could make an attack on Astor, he was repelled by the bodyguard who grabbed him by the mask and slammed his head to the ground.
Sooga approached, kicking hard into the side of the warrior who rolled across the ground to lie face down at the princess's feet.
Zelda immediately bent down to see him/her/them, noticing all the changes he/she/they had in his/her/their being, she grabbed her friend by the scarf to turn him/her/them around -Y-Y/n?- she called worriedly, Link knelt down on one knee to place a hand on his/her/their forehead.
It was when their dear friend opened his/her/their eyes, those horrible yellow eyes that were no longer e/c, Rhoam pulled the pair of Hylians away while y/n made a diagonal cut in the air with his/her/their kodachi that fortunately did not hurt them however, the princess had grabbed him/her/them by the scarf causing it to unwrap and fly away, the king unsheathed a great sword of shiny silver steel with gold and blue ornaments while planting his feet firmly on the ground -Enough! I will be your opponent!-
-F-Father...- called the princess in a low voice, she tripped and now was on the ground, held by her knight, she felt fear and cold uncertainty running down her back -Someone must stay to help the soldiers and to face this monster, you must go to the Spring of wisdom my daughter.... -
Zelda stood up as best she could, in clumsy steps she ran and hugged her father's back, clinging to his royal jacket that was infused with the extravagant cologne that once came to her nose as a child, Link grabbed her arm, tugging a little roughly -Princess we must go! We have to-
-NO! - the young woman shouted, she clung with her nails to her father's clothes as she struggled not to shed tears, it was already her birthday, it was supposed to be a day of celebration but she was about to lose her best friend and her father.
There was an exchange of dialogues behind her back -I have Chief Nera, Robbie is near here?
-We have to go, we have to go to the Spring of wisdom-
-But what about the champions? We still don't know if they are safe-
-We can't let the princess and the knight go to the castle unprepared-
Rhoam's big hand stroked his daughter's head, she looked up -I'm... Proud of you- after those words Impa, with Link's help, separated Zelda from her father while she was screaming for him with all her strength.
The king of Hyrule turned his back to the small group escaping to face y/n who stood in position accepting his challenge and waiting for the next order from his/her/their new master.
Meanwhile, Link, Zelda, Impa, Purah, Nera and Robbie disappeared in an enveloping blue light.
____
Revali had spent that time in Vah Medoh, it was much easier to train until his wings ached than to sleep the time he needed, it was a few hours after Zelda's birthday that he fell to the floor of the divine beast, he was panting, his lungs were out of air, he was exhausted.
He felt that the divine beast was just as tired as him, attentive to his movements, there were even sounds of the wind sneaking through the holes designed in its mechanism that seemed to mimic the chirps, trills or whistles of a bird expressing fear or worry for the rito.
-Medoh... I'm not going to let anyone hurt you- said the champion as he ran a wing over the creature's surface.
A few days ago, when he was in the middle of a maneuver with Revali's Gale, he soared into the sky until he reached the clouds where he could see a sphere of white light that he thought it was a shooting star, in those moments he decided to test himself and swooped down to follow the strange object until it landed on Medoh's Main Control Unit, destroying it self on the contact (or at least it seemed so).
The rito believed that the supposed shooting star did not withstand the impact and was destroyed, a little disappointed for not being able to catch it, he continued training.
Now that the champion finished his arduous training, he closed his eyes, falling sleep, prey to fatigue, he still had time to escort the princess to Lanayru with the other champions.
He dreamed about flying over the icy mountains of his region, he was looking for something, someone, he landed at the entrance of a place he knew very well, the place where he found y/n, where the skeleton of a huge cetacean creature that in its death protected the chrysalis where the sheikah used to be laid.
He did not know why he dreamed of that place just now, the champion walked slowly through the ancient luminous stones, his steps filled with echoes the silence inside the cave that he had not visited for so many years until he reached the chrysalis where y/n was found, open, glowing, and with someone lying inside it.
It was Y/n, his/her/their skin had a strange greenish color, blue veins were marked along his/her/their body and his/her/their hair was white, Revali approached a wing to caress his/her/their cheek, at the moment, the sheikah opened his/her/their eyes, the only normal thing were his/her/their eyes, his lover took a big breath of air before sitting down to be face to face with him -You are here, you came- the warrior took his wing -You have to fight, he's already here!-
-What happened to you?! W-What's going on, what's wrong, who's here?!- asked the rito extremely confused, scared to see him/her/them like this, but his beloved wildcard brought his/her/their face even closer -Ganon-
Just by hearing that name his heart skipped a beat that made him wake up, the wind felt different, the sky was red and the clouds were dark, alarmed, Revali ignored his tiredness to rise in the air to see the castle from far away, it was covered by a dark cloud that seemed to form the head of a boar with red eyes.
Four giant pillars grew in parallel from the building where guards came out whose shots hit everything they came across.
"It was still early" "There was still time" thought the rito wanting to negotiate, angry that the enemy did not follow the plans they had, he descended with some abruptness to the ground, he had to kneel down to recover from the violent landing while forming a fist with his wing to press it against the floor of the divine beast -Everything was going according to plan!-
He forced himself to calm down and took a deep breath, he had to find out what that dream meant, it was quite similar to the one he had had years ago where y/n was full of malice, he ran towards the teleportation platform.
As Purah had explained to the champions, the divine beasts were linked to the sheikah towers, so he just needed to be on top of the huge glowing circle that was somewhere in Medoh to be able to appear at the nearest tower in the region.
He would escort Zelda to the source of wisdom along with the others, at all costs, find a way to send a letter to y/n just to receive an answer, to know that he/she/they was okay, that those dreams were just paranoia, despite Ganon already being in the kingdom, they would face the calamity in an organized manner.
That sounded quite optimistic taking into account that the castle was under siege at those moments, When Revali's claws were on the luminous platform he waited to transport himself, disappear to reappear in the tower, but suddenly the circle turned its lights off, the bluish light that ran through the divine beast turned red.
Vah Medoh let out a painful roar into the air as he began to stagger, he wanted to fall, Revali felt a painful twinge in his back, Medoh was feeling pain, one that even the rito experienced, he turned around to check the Main control unit where he saw only a glowing sphere above it floating silently, contemplating him.
The divine beast's Main Control unit began to beep a couple of times, it was receiving a message:
M
O
U
N
T
L
A
N
A
Y
R
U
S
O
S
Were his friends safe? Did they manage to escape from that disaster in the castle? It was a message for help, they were probably being lurked by monsters, but he couldn't leave Medoh alone, he was suffering and he had to find out about the malaise, the rito knew that the responsible was that thing in front of him.
Finally the sphere changed shape: It was a faceless beast wearing on its face a mask with a blue eye, it had no legs but could fly, it had a cannon on its right arm, with the claws of its left hand it pointed him, four pillars came out of its back like antennas, its body was illuminated by warm lights while its red hair danced with the air as a provocation.
Revali stretched his wings and leaned forward, prepared, ready, the creature in front of him aimed its cannon at him firing three shiny blue projectiles that created big explosions when they hit the ground, in those moments the rito took advantage to take off, creating a whirlwind around him, more shots were followed.
He pulled three explosive arrows from his quiver and aimed for the head but nothing, it didn't seem to hurt that strange mask of its, he tried to shoot at its arms, at the chest, but the arrows didn't seem to hurt it, it was like trying to shoot at solid rock.
"How am I supposed to defeat it!"
The being that was trying to have control over Medoh took the form of the blue sphere that floated until it reached the rito's height, it materialized in front of him, aimed and fired faster than before, one of the projectiles managed to hurt the left wing of the feathered one who fell to the ground.
Revali stood up as fast as he could and ran while he evaluated the state of his wing, fortunately he could still fly but the enemy's aim was impeccable and it wouldn't be the first time it hit its target, he almost didn't give him any chance to take off again.
When he had a chance to fly, he did, Revali took his bow while his Gale kept him in the air, he concentrated and shot at the three points he believed to be his weakness, the chest, the cannon and finally the eye in the center of the disturbing mask.
When the arrow landed in the eye of the being, its lights went out for a few moments, it brought its arms to the mask's sides in a gesture that the projectile had caused it pain and damage, Revali smiled. He had already found his weak point! He quickly fired another arrow, then another.
The being made of malice and sheikah technology (Or at least it seemed so) fell, the rito took the opportunity to put away his bow and unsheathe the Feathered Edge he had and immediately stab it into the chest of his enemy who let out a scream of pain that echoed throughout the divine beast.
That deafened him, Revali had to move away quickly, the invader dematerialized leaving the sword on the ground, the rito took it to re-sheathe it, unsheathed his Great Eagle Bow to repeat the operation while in the background, the Main Control Unit continued repeating the message of help from his friends.
Revali wanted to approach and respond, tell them he was on his way, but he couldn't, surely the rest of the champions were facing similar creatures, Ganon was probably angry that his power had been underestimated like that, with his plans, those things were some materialized blight of his.
Blight, that name was the most appropriate for the thing that pointed its cannon at him and started firing, the rito was running to take flight when one of the projectiles hit his back, he let out a groan, he felt his back burning but still took flight again.
Now that he knew the Blight's weak point the rito drew more explosive arrows again, he shot the first one at the eye, then the second and finally the third, the pain in his back intensified and he landed as softly as possible to the side of the creature lying on the ground, he put away his bow to unsheathe the sword again.
He needed to know if y/n was okay, that the princess was okay, the little knight and the other champions were okay.
"Drop dead at once!" he thought as he drove the sword with all his might into Blight's chest shattering the blade in the process, the weapon split in two, the enemy again let out a painful scream that made Medoh shudder.
The enemy hit the rito with its left claw, causing him to crash into one of the rock pillars that adorned the divine beast, after that, the enemy soared into the sky and with a gesture, summoned tornadoes made of strong air currents similar to the attack that Revali had used during the fight.
The rito's body was caught by one of the tornadoes and the pillar he crashed into turned into several rock fragments that hit him everywhere, one of the point-shaped fragments pierced his left shoulder with ease, destroying his shoulder pad in the process.
Revali fell to the ground, he was panting heavily, he carefully took his bow and made slow movements as feeling his wounds made by those attacks burn and the blood flow, the Blight aimed its cannon at him and fired again, two of the three projectiles hit his chest, destroying part of his rito armor.
Letting out another groan, he stood up, even though all of his body ached he couldn't fail his people, they were all counting on him, he stretched out his wings, both bleeding and summoned Revali's Gale, the wind around his body was tinged with his blood creating a visible crimson whirlwind.
The fear that he probably wouldn't make it out of Vah Medoh alive was growing and probably that last Revali's Gale that was going to lift him into the air at those moments would be his last stunt, the Blight fired again, he received the projectiles, almost all of his armor was shredded.
The imaginary scenarios of what he would do after the calamity, of living next to his beloved wildcard, those imaginary moments where they slept together in the same hammock or bed, seeing him/her/them wake up, feeling his/her/their kisses, none of that would happen....
He aimed an arrow at Blight's eye, ignoring the complaints of his wounded body.
-Please... I want to see him/her/them again- he begged softly, the Main Control Unit began to glow with a white light that spread in several snow-like particles, filling the surface of Vah Medoh, the enemy and him.
All the inhabitants of rito village suddenly came to his head, Isha, Nill, Kaneli, the kids who admired him so much, the guards, the merchants, each and everyone, Revali could see them clearly looking up to the sky watching Vah Medoh with fear, with hope, faith.
"This is it, the last vestige of my power" he heard someone say inside his head.
Revali's eyes turned white, the light parts of his feathers scattered over much of his hair and weird marks appeared on his face, the rito's wounds closed, unconscious of the change, the champion clutched the Great Eagle Bow, fitted three new arrows whose tips glittered like diamonds made from the sun itself.
-Stay away from my home!- he commanded loudly with his arrows striking the eye of Blight's mask.
The enemy began to let out agonizing screams, the rito landed and looked at it as he returned to normal, the being in front of him held its head while its body made of dark material began to give off faint clouds of dark smoke, it writhed until malice began to pour out from all sides, and soon magenta rays began to shoot out from within it.
It was about to explode, Revali stretched its wings, took off flying as far away as he could while the Blight ceased to exist in a reddish colored explosion that suddenly turned white.
Medoh stopped agonizing, the rito felt it, the divine beast resumed a stable flight and his blue light returned, Revali landed near the Main Control Unit, he checked his own body, it was no longer bleeding, nothing hurt, the scars were there but he was alive, he couldn't believe it.
Again the main control unit emitted the message his friends were desperately sending, to which he responded with an:
O
N
M
Y
W
A
Y
But there was something else he had to do, the guardians and monsters were mercilessly attacking the castle lands, he directed Medoh to Central Hyrule, the divine beast of the rito people flew towards the region and started shooting towards the machines that were trying to corner the soldiers who were preventing the calamity from spreading throughout the kingdom.
When one of Medoh's cannons exterminated twenty of the corrupted guardians he could see how those military men were stunned, they turned to the sky and raised their weapons towards the rito in a form of thanks not to mention how happy they were to be alive.
In the distance he heard the scream of an elephant, Revali could make out that Vah Rutah was attacking the enemies on the flank parallel to him. Vah Medoh gave a small hiss as he landed on a tall rock and stood upright avoiding the champion to stand on his structure.
-What are you?! Medoh! Get back to your position!- he commanded, he had to fly towards the head of the divine beast, Medoh's claws clung to the rock, the fans that kept his large body afloat stopped working, he watched as Medoh's cannons pointed towards the corrupted guardians, from Medoh's beak a reddish sphere began to emerge which generated a beam that aimed directly at the castle.
Vah Medoh was thanking him for releasing his being, he was telling his pilot that he would help the armies fighting in Central Hyrule while the joint assault was happening, but Revali knew that he couldn't leave him alone for so long, after all, it was a mechanism that needed to be piloted and its functions were quite limited when it was alone.
-I'll be back when we have to strike the last blow, Medoh, I promise- murmured Revali, he gently stroked the divine beast's head before taking off, he didn't have time to put on a new armor, he had the remains of his breastplate still, the red shirt he wore underneath, a single shoulder pad and even with the state of his clothes, he felt ready.
The rito flew with full speed, he wanted to make sure everyone else was okay, he soon landed at the entrance of Mount Lanayru where a rectangular stone archway stood in the path and several pillars gave impetuousness to the place, the rest of the champions were already there, with new scars closed on all over their bodies, their clothes just as battered as his, but they were alive, apparently a miracle happened with them too.
Zelda was standing holding Terrako in her arms, accompanied by Impa, Nera, Purah and Robbie, but y/n was nowhere to be seen.
-Are we all here?-
-Y/n is missing-
The princess lowered her head as she clung tighter to Terrako, the rito's heart was beginning to stop beating in fear -Princess, where is he/she/they?- he dared to ask, but the blonde shook her head as she let out a small whimper.
Robbie approached the rito champion, took off his glasses, his distressed blue eyes looked at him -Astor, he/she/they turned him/her/them against us, the king stayed to face him/her/them-
The champions were alarmed, they felt betrayed, angry, scared -He/she/they wouldn't be able to do that, how did Astor convince him/her/them?! - asked Urbosa, Link pressed his lips -He/she/they was not convinced by anyone, Astor... He invoked the fierce deity and turned y/n into his puppet- he answered.
Revali pushed the scientist in front of him aside with some abruptness to grab Link by the collar of his tunic -What does that mean?! You saw him/her/them and you did nothing to free him/her/them?!- he asked angrily -Revali stop it!- exclaimed Mipha while holding one of the rito's wings to make him release the hylian.
Daruk stepped in to forcibly separate them, the knight remained calm although in reality, he looked sad -If I could have done anything I would have done it- he replied -You didn't try hard enough!-
-Enough! Both of you! Fighting is not going to end the calamity- scolded the gerudo.
-It was my fault!- exclaimed Zelda, she clung to Terrako as tears began to fall down her face -My father sacrificed himself so that we could get out alive- she murmured, Nera had both hands on her lap -y/n has done everything possible so that we could stay together during the calamity, you faced the monsters that wanted to corrupt the divine beasts and-
The cries of the princess interrupted the speech for a few moments -.... Still in spite of everything I have not been able to awaken my power- she fell to the ground on her knees, the diminutive guardian parted from her arms, the hylian covered her face, trying uselessly to hide her tears, no one approached her, deep inside them.... They knew she felt enough guilt.
-I am a failure... I will be the first princess of Hyrule to let her people die...- she murmured as she leaned forward, brought her hands to her arms, in a cold and sad embrace.
Terrako walked over, he opened the compartment that displayed his mech and the symbols on it glowed, Terrako closed again, the mechanical voice inside his organism spoke, "Playing.... Message from the Queen, Zelda Bosphoramus Hyrule."
It was a song that had been within the royal family for generations, thought to be lost.
But for Zelda, it was the melody that the queen always sang to her and had called: "Zelda's Lullaby" in her honor.... It was a gesture of love from her deceased mother, she didn't know she had managed to get a message into that mechanism until now.
The princess looked up and watched as the thinking mechanism continued to sing the song in its own way. Urbosa and Nera leaned to one side of her -There's still a chance, Zelda.... We believe in you because you are you, not because of your title, not because of the power your mother promised, I'm sure we will find a way to solve all this- the words of the matriarch were warm, maternal, that gave enough courage to the other champions to approach.
-It's true, we still have a fight to face, princess, even without your power, I believe that you shall guide us to victory-Mipha spoke with truth, she knew Link had feelings for the blonde, but the zora was too fond of the hylian princess to hate her, Daruk nodded agreeing with his little friend's comments -You always had an unwavering conviction, princess-
Revali approached with his wings crossed and looked at her from where she was for a few moments -Y/n.... He/She/They has always had faith in you, now is not the time to abandon him/her/them, so come on, we have a war to win- he stretched out his wing, in a gesture for her to take it.
-Even though I couldn't do anything to save him/her/them?- the princess asked with a broken voice, the rito bowed to her, being at a similar height, -I would like to blame everyone, including me, and I know that a few moments ago I was a total jerk, but.... It was y/n's decision to participate in this war, any of us would have ended up as Astor's puppet and now that one of us has fallen into the claws of the enemy, it is our duty to get him/her/them out of there-
He stretched his wing again, Zelda looked carefully at it and finally placed her hand on it, they stood up -I will go to Mount Lanayru, but I feel that if we are all here our allies could be in trouble- said the princess, her face had traces of tears, her eyes were red from crying so much but she was calmer.
Terrako approached the young woman and placed one of his claws on her sandal, he would not leave her, Link positioned himself behind her transmitting the same message, Impa looked towards where the castle was standing -Astor is probably still using y/n as a puppet, the least I can do is to entertain him/her/them until her majesty gets her power-
-We'll look for another solution, we could raise some kind of barrier to stop him/her/them, make him/her/them unconscious, just give me some time to think- Purah interrupted immediately, scared for her sister's life -There's no time for that now- the royal advisor had made up her mind, Nera walked until she was next to her youngest daughter -We'll take care of helping the Yiga and the rest of the soldiers in Central Hyrule- doubtful, the scientist approached them, unhooking the sheikah slate from her belt to put it in Impa's hands.
-Terrako can transport the princess, use the sheikah slate- she looked clearly worried, but Nera and Impa looked at each other calmly, they said nothing, smiled while the younger one checked the map on the sheikah tablet and after pressing one of the functions, they disappeared.
Zelda started her way to Mount Lanayru followed by Link, Daruk cleared his throat to get the attention of the rest of the people present -We must go to the divine beasts and repel the attack, when the little guy and the princess come down from the mountain, we will clear the way for them- he ordered, then he looked at Revali -We will work all together to defeat Ganon and get y/n back-
The champions parted ways, Revali stretched his wings to take off but someone tapped his shoulder, Robbie was looking him -I.... We want to help-
The rito straightened up -The last time the fierce deity woke up in y/n, he/she/they had to sleep for days to recover, now that Ganon took control of that form he/she/they is probably in a delicate state of health, tell me, do you still have that rare chrysalis where we found him/her/them? -he asked.
Purah placed a hand under her chin -We recently found a shrine, it is much older than the chrysalis prototype where we found him/her/them, but it will do, we will do our best- -So, when I get back to the city, I'll be back.
-So, when he/she/they returns to normal, where should we take him/her/them?- asked the champion -In the Great Plateu, between the region of Farone and Gerudo, there is a sanctuary that stands near the River of the Dead and the Forest of the Spirits, when you have y/n, you must take him/her/them there, we will prepare the technology of the shrine- indicated Robbie, he had not yet put on his glasses, he bowed to the rito as he would to the king -Please save him/her/them-
Revali said nothing, he only nodded his head and flew away.
The way to Mount Lanayru was now a race, Zelda climbed and obeyed Link to safely climb the steepest terrain, the air blew vehemently and the snow hindered the passage of the pair of Hylians, Terrako was clung to the knight's back as he watched the princess do her best.
When they reached the Spring of wisdom, they found something completely unexpected, the ruins of the ancient temple were frozen, covered with snow and ice, the stairs that led directly to the statue of the goddess were barely visible, behind the structure stood gigantic pillars of ice where one of the three dragons of Hyrule rested.
Naydra was infested with malice, his beautiful blue and white body was not visible, he was being covered by several red eyes that looked to the sides in alertness and some of its scales on its back protruded purple crystals, on the forehead of the once magnificent creature was a huge yellow eye.
It was too late to retreat, the corrupted dragon awoke, there were three eyes in total of great size, black with yellow and red pupils, Zelda stifled a scream as these stared back at her, Link unsheathed his sword to begin attacking, Terrako accompanied him by unsheathing the very weapons he had in his mech.
The dragon roared with hostility and with his tail pushed the knight away, he changed his position going down towards the fountain to cover it with his claws, his eyes were still focused on the princess, the knight tried a new strategy, he approached cautiously towards one of the eyes farthest from Naydra's head and when he was far enough he tore it with his sword.
That eye disappeared in a huge cloud of black smoke making the creature roar aggressively, Naydra lowered his head closing his eyes showing great pain, Zelda thought about y/n....
Link was willing to continue removing the eyes invading the dragon's body while Terrako did his best to serve as a distraction, but that meant more pain, the dragon rested his head against the water of the spring, to the side of the statue, he was hurt by the possession and the painful process to release him was awful to see.
"Is it really necessary to make him suffer in order to free him?"
The princess took Link by the arm gently -Don't do it...- she pleaded in a low voice, the diminutive guardian paused equally, he emitted a couple of beeps showing curiosity -Then what do you suggest I do?- the knight didn't want to sound rude, but it seemed to be the only viable option to clear the spring of wisdom -Princess, you should meditate, everyone is counting on us-
-No! I...- Zelda didn't know how to materialize in words what she wanted to say, so she looked at Naydra -I'll get closer, don't intervene please- that seemed to alarm the champion, but he nodded, he believed in her.
Zelda released Link to start walking towards the dragon, her sandals filled with water, she was freezing, she had never felt so cold in her life, but she kept walking when Naydra half opened his eyes just to see her, despite being possessed, he begged silently for mercy.
A frightened beast being used as a weapon.
She got on her knees in front of the dragon's face to hold his head as she could between her hands to join her forehead with that creature's, the king father was probably dead, and hurting Naydra seemed to be an indirect answer that probably killing y/n would free him/her/them from his/her/their suffering as Astor's puppet, the champions were about to die some hours ago, Impa was risking her life to protect Hyrule.
There was nothing left to lose, nothing to prove, in those moments all she thought about was....y/n, when he/she/they smiled at her like the older brother/sister/sibling she always wanted, in her father's caress on her hair, in Urbosa hugging her, in Daruk making her laugh, in Mipha supporting her, in Revali understanding her, in Link being by her side.
-I'm sorry you had to go through all this... It hurts a lot, doesn't it? And I don't know what to do- the princess's voice was soft and sad.
She closed her eyes, frozen tears streaming down her cheeks, the malice that covered Naydra burned to the touch but she stood there, bowed before the statue of the goddess, praying to at least save the dragon from such a terrible fate.
"It will happen... Whatever has to happen."
-I love you...- she whispered into the air, a genuine and warm love of accepting that the pain she was experiencing was part of that feeling, she began to pray, hoping to heal the creature with it or at least reduce his pain.
For a few moments the snow falling from the sky stopped, the body of the huge dragon began to glow, creating several cracks along the malice that covered it, the huge gloomy eyes evaporated in several dark clouds that soon dissipated.
A large dome of light enveloped the place and dissipated as a slowly diminishing pillar of light, the swordsman covered his eyes using his forearm to protect them.
From one second to the next, the malice was destroyed and Naydra was awake, free, he looked gently at the princess who slowly opened her eyes to pull back somewhat surprised.
A bright golden light caught her attention, it came from her right hand, the triforce finally woke up -The power...- she looked at Link, he nodded his head, the knight didn't avoid to let out a relieved smile, he and Terrako ran until they reached her side, the princess turned to the diminutive guardian -Terrako, can you take us to Central Hyrule?- she asked, she knew that if they left like that, Epona and Tatl would be safe waiting in Lanayru.
Terrako emitted a couple of beeps, made them disappear in an enveloping blue light to reappear in the tower that stood on the plain near the palace, Link reached into his pouch to pull out a white paraglider with a bluish symbol resembling the triforce, although he did not have it, it alluded to some bird that opened its wings.
-Princess, we have to get to the castle as soon as possible- he kept silent for a few moments, the knight looked at the horizon where the sky was still as red as blood -I will take care of you at all costs- Zelda nodded and clung to him.
Terrako held on to the princess's back, once they were secured, Link took impulse to jump and deploy the paraglidder, along the way they could see the squads of hylian soldiers, rito, zora, goron and gerudo fighting bravely alongside the members of the Yiga clan.
There were few animals, surely all were running getting to safety, the princess would swear she could see out of the corner of her eye a black steed that instead of running away, was approaching towards danger.
The divine beasts were doing their best to keep the monsters and corrupted guardians at bay, probably the champions were back on them waiting for the signal to make the joint assault they had planned so much.
Soon, the hylians landed on the outskirts of the citadel, unconsciously, Link took the princess by the hand while with the other he held the sword that seals darkness, Terrako went down to the ground and both guardian and knight were clearing the nearest paths for Zelda to reach the castle, if they finished with Ganon, there would probably be no need to attack y/n.
Every kilometer they ran felt like a terrible eternity, but the allies did their best to keep the small group safe, the princess's sandals wore out, she soon stopped to take them off so she could run more easily.
They reached the castle bridge and from there Zelda knew how to move, she took the lead without letting go of Link's hand to take the countless shortcuts and passages she memorized while growing up, many corridors were full of malice, some access blocked and that's when Terrak used some of the functions that once belonged to y/n's bracelets to clear the way.
Finally they reached the throne room, at the entrance, they found Sooga, they didn't know if he was still breathing but it looked like he stalled the enemy as long as he could, but what caught their attention the most was a huge dark chrysalis on the ceiling, throbbing, and below, there was the sheikah with his/her/their back to them, looking up at the destroyed triforce that used to be adorning the complex.
-Y/n!- Zelda let go of Link's hand to try to reach him/her/them but stopped as soon as she heard a mocking laugh, someone was sitting on the sovereign throne, Astor was holding his purple orb while the bodyguard began to float in the air, but he/she/they didn't do it as someone who did it at will, his/her/their arms were raised, his/her/their head was down, y/n's whole person was being manipulated by invisible strings that made him/her/them a perfect puppet.
-There she is! The princess of the fallen kingdom! The new sovereign of the extinct Hyrule! Long live Queen Zelda!- shouted the sorcerer who stood up, giving a rude bow -But, she needs her crown!- the enemy threw an object that gave off a couple of golden sparkles and fell at the feet of the pair of Hylians.
It was Rhoam's crown.
Link swallowed saliva and Zelda held the rage, the cry that immediately wanted to come out, she was already prepared for that scenario but the impact was enough for her, she kept her composure because the body of her friend floated in the air and was slowly approached towards Astor.
The sheikah turned around, he/she/they still had that terrible look, the enemy caressed his/her/their head as he would do with a dog -Let him/her/them go! - ordered Zelda, she closed her hand in a fist summoning a small glow, that made the wizard laugh.
-Fierce deity! I want that triforce! Kill her!- he ordered, the man disappeared in a trail of purple smoke while y/n looked at the princess, Link interposed himself, he pointed his sword at the royal bodyguard, he would try not to hurt him/her/them, but to tire him/her/them, enough for Zelda to purify his/her/their soul as she had done with Naydra -Terrako- the knight called for the first time the machine -Protect the princess, Astor is still here-
The diminutive guardian nodded,y/n unsheathed two kodachi, the old one and the one Robbie had given him/her/them, still floating in the air he/she/they began to attack creating slashes near the swordsman, the champion blocked the attacks positioning his weapon horizontally.
Link evaluated the situation, looked at the stairs, ran towards them until he reached the height of the thrones, took impulse and jumped towards y/n, it seemed that the champion was going to pierce the sheikah's chest with the sword making him/her/them create a block with the kodachi but at the last moment the knight took him/her/them by the shoulders while hitting his/her/their stomach with a knee.
He made the puppet fall to the floor making him/her/them release the kodachi on the process and now they were in different parts of the room, the bodyguard pushed the champion away by hitting the hylian's side, stood up and turned his/her/their sight to Zelda who was watching the fight helplessly.
Y/n started to run towards her, unsheathing the last kodachi left, the one he/she/they had since he/she/they was in the Yiga clan, Terrako jumped, activating the eye of truth module giving off a blinding light, the puppet stepped back throwing a grunt and Link took the opportunity to get close to punch him/her/them in the chest.
Y/n staggered but kept standing up, covered his/her/their face while growling between teeth, when he/she/they lowered his hands one of the eyes had returned to normal -Y/n? - Zelda called again, Link pointed the edge of his sword as a precaution.
-Zel-da- The Sheikah stretched his/her/their hand towards her, it was hard for him/her/them to speak, Astor reappeared behind him/her/them -She abandoned you to your fate, she promised to always be there, she promised you a new life but before you noticed, she turned her back on you, but I can give you a new home, we can bring your family and friends from the twilight era back, all you have to do is give me the triforce that is in her hand- his words were convincing from the perspective of someone with grudge. Would it work on him/her/them?
The sheikah's eye was yellow again, y/n showed his/her/their canines in disgust, Link planted his feet on the ground as he scowled, ready to attack, the bodyguard gave a war cry and rose to the attack.
But instead of attacking the hylians, he/she/they went towards the wizard and used the kodachi of the Yiga clan to pierce his throat, y/n threw him to the ground and in every second he/she/they buried his/her/their weapon deeper into Astor's throat who looked at him/her/them with fear, the sphere that always floated at the side of the sorcerer began to shake violently releasing a great amount of malice.
Still possessed, y/n did his best to free himself/herself/themself, the sheikah brought his/her/their face close to Astor's, only to see the life drain from the enemy's eyes and his head resting in a pool of blood, finally freeing Hyrule from the man.
He/She/They stood up and turned to look at the pair of friends, the malice left by the sphere took on a life of its own to crawl over and begin to cover him/her/them trying to regain control over him/her/them. Y/n looked up at the chrysalis resting on the ceiling.
There was the rest of Ganon, a powerful Ganon hiding behind y/n, using him/her/them as a puppet, and now he would slowly use the sheikah's body to accomplish his/her/their goal, there was no escape.
Zelda reacted quickly, she positioned herself in the center of the room and stretched out her hand, the light of her triforce glowed again pointing towards the chrysalis, indicating the clear target to aim at the divine beasts, it was the signal.
At those moments, y/n looked at Zelda, his/her/their eyes were a mixture of e/c and yellow -I'm so sorry, Zelda...- he/she/they muttered.
The champions then gave their order, in unison, from all four parts of the kingdom, each one shouted their own sentences.
-Now my moment has finally come. Brace yourself, Ganon, for the sting of my revenge!- Revali stretched his wing towards the castle, Medoh's beak launched a powerful blue lightning started to be shot from where the Hebra region began.
-This will be our final opportunity. We will not fail! - Mipha had her hands together, praying for the welfare of her friends, she stretched out her hands forming a triangle with them, Rutah shot another beam from where Lanayru's region started.
-Let's go little guy! Now! Open up wide, Ganon! - exclaimed Daruk ecstatically while he clenched his fists, he pointed them towards the castle, Rudania shot her own lightning from where Eldin started.
-Hold on, Princess. Our moment has arrived!-Urbosa stretched her hand towards the castle, snapped her fingers and a bolt of blue light shot out from where the gerudo region started, a powerful attack destroyed the roof of the complex and descended on the chrysalis but before it touched y/n, the princess ran towards him/her/them hugging him/her/them tightly.
A mixture of blue and golden lights invaded the castle's room.
When visibility was restored Zelda had protected the sheikah who in turn had been purified, he/she/they fell to the ground while a great cloud of malice formed above their heads and came out through the destroyed ceiling.
When visibility was restored Zelda had protected the sheikah who had been purified, y/n fell to the ground while the princess tried her best not to let his/her/their head hit the ground, a great cloud of malice formed above them and came out through the destroyed ceiling.
The bodyguard had returned to normal, the fierce deity was not there either, only him/her/them. He/She/They seemed to be sleeping peacefully after a long time without doing so.
-We'll come back for you- she promised him/her/them, Link and Zelda left the castle and ran towards the bridge where a black furred steed was waiting for them, it had a rope tied around his neck but it was broken implying that the animal had escaped from some ranch because he didn't even have its saddle on, they could recognize him immediately.
-Ordon!- called the champion, the horse approached and gave a couple of whines and then showed them his back, the two Hylians exchanged glances, there was only one last confrontation left.
Terrako wanted to climb into the animal, but Zelda took him carefully, and placed him on the ground and bowed to his height -Probably the champions are on their way, I need you to take care of y/n, we count on you, Terrak- she asked gently, after those words the diminutive guardian nodded.
The duo climbed on Ordon and rode towards the plain where a huge cluster of malice was forming, the divine beasts did not seem to intervene this time, but the champions were on their way.
Ordon circled the cluster until it took the form of a huge boar whose face was covered by huge magenta flames, that was why malice always burned, it was actually fire, one made of hate, they were facing Ganon in its purest state.
The beast began to walk slowly towards the kingdom, Link made the horse run more hastily while Zelda used her power, a golden triangle appeared on one of the sides of the beast, the young woman took aim with her bow and fired, Ganon let out a roar that made the earth shudder.
They held their course, the princess made another triangle appear on the boar's body that was then received by an arrow making it move back, the earth shook again and she fell from the horse.
The sound of a bone breaking deafened her ears but she didn't scream, Link made Ordon return and jumped off him to bow to Zelda, he could see her feet filled with scars and blood, she was fighting barefoot -Princess, if you want to give me the arc-
-We will do this together, for our friends, for the people, for Hyrule- interrupted the princess, she stood up but she couldn't walk, she was going to fall until her knight gave her support, she had broken her leg, even with the pain, she wanted to keep fighting.
Ordon rode again, it took a few eternal seconds to reach where Ganon was walking, Zelda took the bow again, aimed and shot, Ganon stopped completely but the magenta fire surrounded him while the skin of his forehead opened revealing a huge eye with red and yellow pupil, several air currents made difficult an access to attack.
-His essence is exposed- said the princess, the horse stopped, it was impossible to approach, soon the champions arrived, ready to fight, but the huge beast did not move, the eye was slowly closing, Ganon was recovering -The air is full of fire and the target is quite high- said Mipha.
Zelda looked at the bow of light, she was going to give it to the rito, tell him to shoot from where they were but it had several cracks and scratches, the weapon kept breaking until it disappeared in her hands, before she could think of an alternative plan, Revali bowed to Link, knowing what to do -Come-
The rito's plan was simple and understandable without having to explain it, he would elevate the knight enough to give the coup de grace, Link clung to Revali's back and the feathered one invoked a whirlwind, they took off, while they calculated a safe distance the archer spoke -Remember that attack that y/n always makes falling towards its target?-
Link nodded -Yes, I remember it- he already knew the plan, the rito was still looking ahead, concentrated, without a second to lose -Then you know what to do-
When Revali got close enough, the hylian jumped, unsheathed his sword, holding the handle between both hands he gave a war cry, one that had been in his chest since the beginning of all that adventure, since he met y/n in Lanayru, their reunion in the castle, in Hebra, the image of when he/she/they held his hand crossed his head including the moments he lived with all the champions and the princess.
Finally, the master sword gave a huge blue glow, piercing Ganon's essence, the intimidating beast let out a last painful roar into the air, Zelda clasped her hands together, and wrapped herself in a beautiful golden light, she began to float far from the champions until she was at the level of the boar's eyes.
The monster's yellow eyes met hers, but the princess was no longer afraid, the wind whipped at her face, the magenta fire threatened to burn her but no matter what techniques Ganon used to intimidate her, she remained calm, her hands clasped together in prayer.
A wave of golden light attacked the creature that was enveloped by the same dark clouds that had brought him, Ganon once again took the form of the monster that had covered the castle, he flew through the air throwing frustrated growls, he maneuvered across the sky, Revali could barely land safely, Zelda kept her gaze fixed on the beast.
Just as Ganon opened his jaw to try to devour her, the young woman stretched out her hand and summoned the triforce, a huge golden sphere as bright as the sun absorbed the shadowy figure of the enemy and sphere became smaller and smaller until it disappeared.
Ganon had been sealed, they won.
Slowly the sky was returning to normal showing a beautiful clear blue day, six lights made their presence known in front of the princess whose feet touched the ground and the champions, those things were the six of the seven sages.
"We broke the rules we swore we would never break again..." spoke the green light "But we see it was worth it" commented the blue light "Everyone, you have done an amazing job" said the orange light "it was worth it to have taken the risk" cheered the reddish light.
Their voices mingled with others, but instead of being gloomy, it mimicked the warmth of a dear friend or family member.
"You are the princess, who has the most immense power, y/n was right to hold his/her/their faith over all of you.... It has been... A clear example of the faith we had long thought lost in mortals" spoke their leader, a golden light, similar to Zelda's power.
"We will guard the barriers of the sacred realm, priestess of Hyrule."
After saying those words, the six lights began to disappear.
Without interrupting the congratulations for the ancestral beings, Revali took the opportunity to separate from the group and took flight in search of y/n, he soon noticed that Ordon was following him, trying to keep up, the horse gave a whinny and gestured with his head.
The equine knew where the sheikah was, the rito then decided to follow the steed, soon they reached the castle bridge, he remembered where Vah Medoh had pointed, his lover was probably there and flew on until landing at the entrance to the throne room, Sooga was no longer there.
Revali ran until he saw y/n who was on the ground attended by Terrako who was passing a piece of flag on his/her/their face to clean it, the archer held him/her/them between his wings, brought his head close to his/her/their chest and could barely feel a faint heartbeat, distressed, the rito looked at the diminutive guardian -Take me, to the nearest tower to the Forest of the spirits- he pleaded.
The mechanism nodded, they disappeared in an enveloping blue light but reappeared inside a place that Revali didn't know, he carried u/n between his wings carefully, and entered the place, soon he found a tub-shape thing under a sheikah stone, Robbie and Purah were next to it preparing a couple of things, Terrako had taken him to the Shrine of Resurrection directly!
He hurried his pace, not exchanging words with the pair of scientists who indicated with quick gestures that he should put him/her/them in the waters of the "tub"
-Now what's next, what should we do?- the champion asked in anguish, Purah approached, assessed Y/n's vital signs, let out a sigh and finally answered -The only thing left is to wait until he/she/they wants to come back-
The rito's eyes moistened, he looked at the Sheikah and took his lover's hand.
Meanwhile, y/n's consciousness wandered in the icy mountains, walking aimlessly, he/she/they wounded, the sheikah had fought the fierce deity and won his/her/their body back, exiling the being back to his world.
His/Her/Their feet finally led him/her/them to a place he/she/they had never seen before, a cave where the skeleton of a huge ancient creature was hidden, y/n dared to enter and saw an artifact resembling a large chrysalis.
Everything seemed terribly familiar even though he/she/they had never seen that place, as soon as he/she/they placed his/her/their hand on the strange thing in front of him/her/them, y/n realized that he/she/they was not alone.
-I... proposed this place to shelter you when we were no longer there.
It was the voice of...
-Link?!- the sheikah turned his/her/their head and there he was, the Link of the twilight era smiling warmly at him surrounded in a blue aura having fatuous fires around him by fatuous fires, y/n didn't say anything, he/she/they just went to hug him with all his/her/their strength.
However, after a few minutes both friends separated -But!.... You... aren't that other Link?! One that's a bit... Shorter than you, or... I don't know if I got taller- the laughter of his spectral friend resounded in the cave and then shook his head -Part of me as a knight of the goddess lives in him, maybe that's why you were familiar to him, but he is him, I am me... Besides... My true essence is in my descendant, you must have already met her, she esteems you as much as I did in life-
Y/n knew who he was talking about immediately -Ze-Zelda is your descendant?!- that caused a pleasant surprise in the sheikah that made him/her/them smile with emotion, Link took a hand to the shoulder of the warrior -You kept your word... You guided her and the hero... but.... - his expression became serious -You still don't want to leave, do you?- Link asked.
He/She/They smiled sadly, took the hand of the hero of the twilight and they left the cave, he/she/they guided him towards where the view of rito village began in that spectral white place - If you had made me that offer two years ago, I think I would have accepted but... -
-But...- his/her/their dear friend invited him/her/them to continue.
Y/n looked at him - Even with all the pain I experienced, with all the difficulties I had, I feel... very happy to know that I am alive- he/she/they told him.
Link hugged him/her/them while he stifled a small sigh, it was warm, he joined his forehead with the sheikah's forehead while gently took him/her/them by the nape of the neck, running his thumb on that part of the scalp -Your father and your brother, they will be very happy to hear that.... I guess I can let you go for now-
-My famil?!-
Y/n opened his lips to take a breath of air, then opened his/her/their eyes, the champions, the princess, the knight, the scientists, Impa and Terrako were there.
He/She/They felt a very strong hug that almost took his/her/their breath away, Zelda was wearing her expedition clothes and was on her knees in front of him/her/them wrapping her arms around her friend -YOU'RE ALIVE!-
They all let out a victorious exclamation -That's the strength of a mountain!- said Daruk, Urbosa gave a small laugh -A great example of Sheikah's survival too-
Mipha nodded -I'm glad the shrine helped- Link nodded encouragingly as Terrako gave little leaps of victory.
Revali approached over to lean on the other side without interrupting the princess' embrace, y/n barely peeked his/her/their gaze, their eyes met, the first thing y/n said was a phrase she/he/they had wanted to say since the first kiss with the rito- I'm home ...-
The feathered one shed a tear, he brought a wing to caress the cheek of his beloved -Welcome home...- he answered him/her/them.
____
The rito served him/her/them as a support to walk, escorted by the champions, y/n walked towards the exit but the daylight almost blinded him/her/them. He/She/They covered his/her/their eyes with the back of his/her/their hand at the same time he/she/they heard a whinny, when they came out, the first thing they saw was Ordon who began to lick the face of his rider.
Y/n began to laugh -Hey! A little more respect- said the feathered one while holding the sheikah's arm to keep his/her/their balance, the equine let out a whinny before trying to bite the archer who pushed the animal's head away from them causing a laugh on his lover.
-We must evaluate if the shrine did not cause damage to your neurological state, but apparently your body is fine- said Robbie, the bodyguard nodded -Hmmm, sounds complicated, but, for now I think I have not been hurt...- he/she/they said while holding his/her/their head with a free hand -I just... I dreamed- he/she/they added.
Before he/she/they could continue walking, Terrako stopped right in front of him/her/them -Huh? What's the matter?
The diminutive guardian beeped a couple of times, opened its compartment to again show the crystal eye:
"The Diminutive Guardian mechanism has been completed, you now have access to the latest recording in the archive."
The laughter and smiles stopped, the sheikah nodded slowly as Zelda came up beside her in parallel with Revali, Garren's voice then began to sound.... The surprise function was actually a message.
-You turned eighteen already, you're so big- a laugh was heard also heard how he let out a sigh and made a couple of movements on the desk or place where the prototype of the bracelets was at those moments -Do you know what it means.... Becoming an adult? It won't be long before you leave home and seek your own destiny, or if you wish to be at home, that would make me happy, but.... I don't want you to be held back by me-
The sheikah made an effort to sit in front of the machine in order to hear better, the rito helped him/her/them and they remained attentive to that recording -My tin soldier.... - that nickname made y/n let out a small sigh, he/she/they covered his/her/their mouth trying to calm his/her/their emotions -My birthday wish for you, is that you know that I will always be by your side, I can't keep lying to you like when you were a child, life will be cruel and sometimes unfair, it will take you unaware, it will try to destroy your spirit but....- There was a long pause, the recording echoed a bit of static -it will also be full of beautiful things, moments that will make you feel happy to be alive, of wonderful people, of experiences, that's why.... If I don't get to be there when you get to be the best version of you, may you be surrounded by people who love you as much as I do and if you wish, to find a new home, may it be even better than this one.... I love you, y/n, happy birthday... I hope you find a way to listen to this message soon...-
The guardian's compartment closed and a couple of tears fell on its surface, y/n was crying while smiling from ear to ear, they let him/her/them cry, until finally he/she/they could collect himself/herself/themself enough to look at the others -I think... my father's wish was fulfilled- he/she/they mumbled.
Revali sat down next to him/her/them, he reached for his pouch to take out the scarf he/she/they thought he/she/they had lost so much, the rito put it on gently and softly while keeping a serious face, y/n stared at him and soon their eyes met -You are home now, and we don't plan for you to go anywhere else- his words were warm, soon the goron champion came closer interrupting the moment to hold him/her/them in his arms -It's true little brother/sister/sibling! You are now part of the family!-
The sheikah's cheeks turned bright red as he/she/they tried to break free from the grip -D-Daruk! L-Let me down! P-Please!- he/she/they screamed in outrage, the sheikah had stopped crying.
-Be more gentle! He/She/They just woke up after sleeping for six months!- begged Mipha, Urbosa let out a laugh into the air and Link tried to keep the bodyguard from falling to the ground -What do you mean I slept for six months?!- questioned the sheikah -We did our best to wake you up as soon as possible without suffering so much damage- answered Purah -B-But it's still a long time!-
-You didn't miss much besides the fact that Nera, Kohga and Sooga wanted to be the first ones to see you wake up, in fact, you were saved from the reconstruction of Central Hyrule- Revali's words didn't cause amusement in his lover who seemed even embarrassed -But-But!- Zelda contemplated the scene from afar, with a hand on her chest.
Zelda contemplated the scene from afar, with a hand on her chest...
Her father gave his life to keep her safe, y/n used everything in his/her/their power to fight Ganon's control, after the events of that war, the feeling of loneliness and fear about ruling an entire kingdom came over her, now, she realized she wasn't going to be alone, the sheikah soon looked at her keeping silent for a few moments, they smiled at each other.
Two people who were alone, were now a family.
-Princess- y/n called -What's next?- he/she/they asked attentively to the young woman's words, they all looked at her, she meditated for a few moments while she looked at the people present, especially at her beloved knight -We need to have a celebration- she said.
The end...?
____Author's Notes
(We're still missing the Epilogue, where we'll answer the doubts that were missing. I'm editing the chapter to add some things as well!
First of all, this fanfic turned one year old on May 11th but it's just finished, I thought it was going to be a short project, what happened is that so many things happened and the story called me so much to give it my best that we just finished, I thank you very much for your support and unconditional love, some have been since the very beginning of the fanfic others just arrived but anyway they are just as important to me.
I always thought it was an exaggeration the fact that some writers update after living a tragedy or something that has marked them but having this, my second fanfic completed in these sites, makes me understand that writing is almost as entertaining as reading, I really enjoy seeing your comments that even though I entered a little late to be an active user to the TloZ fandom on Twitter and Facebook have welcomed me with open arms.
And well, many of those people are Revali fans, so I genuinely wrote this RevalixReader as a thanks to those fans that I was able to find the inspiration I was missing to keep going in my life, and most of them are friends and even discovered some of them work on animation as me. Yay!
Thanks to all of you
For those who are reading the English version, I know it lacked poetry or a more affable speech but it's very difficult for me to write in that language in a literary way, anyway I'm doing my best to edit and adapt that version to something closer to the Spanish's speech.
In both fanfics their beginnings are very ambiguous and they lack details so I will be working on that so that the beginning chapters have the same style as the last chapters, I still have to edit others as well, along with this one but I wanted to upload it as soon as possible, I thought I could do it during the weekend but there were many ideas floating around that needed a fixed denouement.
Thanks for all your support and understanding.
By the way, in a month I will be posting two CanonXReader fanfics that will be on intermittent postings, one is SidonXReader, another a LinkXReader (that it was comissioned, thank you, I love you dead reader who is also here, bless you)
What if this fanfic will have extra chapters? BUT OF COURSE IT WILL, after all there is still love to give!
It's 6 pm, I haven't slept at all and after two weeks of writing more than four endings I'm left with the one I thought was the most beautiful, I'm so full of caffeine and love, I love you all)